In Barcelona, Ben Ainslie’s attempt to seize the America’s Cup for Britain, and end a 173-year long drought, fell short as his team lost 7-2 to New Zealand. This British team was competing for the first time in the tournament in six decades; hitting a milestone on Wednesday as the first British team to gain points in the last 90 years by clinching two victories against the two-time Kiwi holders.
Despite a fiercely contested match, Peter Burling’s New Zealand team emerged victorious in the ninth race, held on Saturday, by a margin of 37 seconds. This also marked the 37th edition of this esteemed sailing competition. In his remarks to the event broadcaster, Ainslie praised the superior Kiwi team and offered profound thanks for the support received both on-site in Barcelona and back in Britain.
While acknowledging the difficulties encountered throughout the campaign, Ainslie remained positive and confident about the future. His team remains unwavering in their decade-long quest to lift the America’s Cup; he expressed a firm commitment to continue working towards realising this goal.
New Zealand’s recent triumph positions them as the inaugural modern crew to claim the illustrious Auld Mug three consecutive times in this first-to-seven regatta. Initially delayed due to inadequate winds, race nine witnessed intense action once the crews were given the green light. Despite seeing a slightly faster start – one knot above the Kiwis – the Brits were unable to maintain their lead against the reigning champions.
Despite leading by over 350 metres at one point, the New Zealand team went into the third leg of the race only 22 seconds ahead of their British rivals. Unfazed by the challenge, the British crew exerted significant pressure as they chipped down the distance to just under 10 metres by the race’s midpoint.
Notwithstanding, Burling’s crew managed to hold onto their lead, carrying a 12-second advantage into the fifth leg, which they were able to increase to 17 seconds as they entered the final leg. The Brits were hoping for a slip-up from the Kiwis but it never transpired. Ultimately, New Zealand sturdily maintained their lead and easily sailed across the finish line to secure their third consecutive title.
Ainslie, acknowledging the skill and effort of the New Zealand team, said: “First and foremost, a massive congratulations to Team New Zealand. In my opinion, they are the finest team in the history of the America’s Cup – no small feat. Bravo to them.” He also expressed his deep gratitude to his own team for their remarkable efforts that got them this far.
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