The America's Cup returned to New York and the Hudson after nearly a century of absence this weekend, May 8, 2016. The race for the famous trophy was held off the coast of New York from 1970 to 1920. And for this reunion, the least we can say is that the weather conditions gave the six crews competing for the Louis Vuitton America's Cup World Series a hard time.
On Saturday May 7 âeuros the first day of the race âeuros, the three regattas that were to be launched between 14:00 and 15:30 had to be cancelled: erratic wind, current between 3.5 and 4 knotsâeuros¦ The race committee was still able to launch a substitute race, from which Softbank Team Japan emerged as the winner. It's been fantastic to be able to launch a race and perform in front of so many people who have gathered to watch the races. It's a remarkable experience to sail on the Hudson with so many people watching." said Dean Barker, skipper of the Japanese team. Groupama Team France finished in 3rd place e place of the podium, ahead of Artemis Racing.
On Sunday May 8th, the three races were launched, despite a wind oscillating between 5 and 20 knots. And it was Emirates Team New-Zealand that won the day. "It was one of those series where everyone had their share of luck and bad luck, but we could count on our lucky stars at the end of the regatta. It was exciting and crazy at the same time. Today it was important to stay cool and focused "said Glenn Ashby, Kiwi skipper.
However, the start of the race was not easy for the New Zealand crew. Their rudder got caught in the anchor line of the starting buoy, which in turn punctured the port hull and created an ingress of water for the entire race.
At the end of this second day of racing, Groupama Tram France has retained its 3rd place in the ranking e placed on the podium, marking its first stage podium since its entry into the America's Cup. "It's very satisfying to reach our goal despite the complicated sailing conditions. Erratic and changing wind with 3 to 4 knots of current, it is not easy to race in these conditions which do not allow the boat to express its potential and ensure a good show. In spite of this, the team was very concentrated and we knew how to analyze the water and seize the opportunities! The work done this winter has paid off. It's very motivating. If we add to that the sublime scenery and the energy of the French people present, it was really a great moment said Franck Cammas who was making his comeback since his accident last February.
The next act will take place in Chicago on June 11 and 12, before returning to Europe to join the UK in July and France in September.
General ranking after 3 rounds in New York
Emirates âeuros Team New-Zealand (Glenn Ashby) 52 points
Oracle âeuros Team USA (Jimmy Spithill) 50 points
Groupama Team France (Franck Cammas) 44 points
SoftBank âeuros Team Japan (Dean Barker) 42 points
Land Rover BAR (Ben Ainslie) 42 points
Artemis Racing (Nathan Outteridge) 40 points
Overall ranking 2016
Emirates Team New Zealand 244 pts
Oracle Team USA 236 pts
Land Rover BAR 227 pts
Softbank Team Japan 203 pts
Artemis Racing 201 pts
Groupama Team France 194 pts
