Heavy rain cancels first round
Vilanova, in the province of Barcelona, was the venue for the first preliminary regatta of the 37th America's Cup. The first day of racing, scheduled for September 15, 2023, ultimately had to be abandoned due to "apocalyptic" weather conditions While the six teams had left port under mainsail and J2 in 12 to 15 knots of wind, the wind finally died down, giving way to torrential rain and thunder. Nothing to compare with the training conditions of the previous day, when the defender Emirates Team New Zealand had shone.
Orient Express Racing Team, the big surprise of the competition
We had to wait until September 16 before resuming the regatta, which took place in fickle winds. Despite a light wind, the start of the first race was given in 7 to 8 knots of breeze. The French team put in a fine performance: after a good start on port tack, they were able to fly throughout the race and finish on the top step of the podium, collecting 10 points. Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli took second place, with NYYC American Magic completing the podium. The Kiwis were unable to get their AC40 off the ground and finished 4th.
In the second race of the day, Alinghi Red Bull Racing was the only one to take off right from the start. Flying at over 20 knots, while the fleet was moving at between 5 and 9 knots, it was eventually joined by the Kiwis of Emirates Team New Zealand for a duel at the top, ultimately won by the New Zealanders. Alinghi Red Bull Racing finished second, followed by France's Orient Express Team in 3rd place.
The American remontada and an aborted final
Prior to the Match-Race grand final on September 17, three races were held to determine the two finalist teams. Thanks to good flight and course management, the American team NYYC American Magic finished 2nd, 1st and 1st respectively on the final day. They took first place with a total of 34 points after the two legs of the regatta. Emirates Team New Zealand confirmed its favorite status and finished second. Orient Express Racing Team fell just short of the final, but won the honors of this first confrontation with a fine third place.
The final saw NYYC American Magic, who sailed smoothly, and the Kiwis, winners of all the regattas. Unfortunately, the falling wind didn't allow either team to hold their own in the air. The Kiwis struggled to get off to a good start and suffered a number of penalties. In this battle against the clock, where both teams had just 10 minutes to reach the first course mark, and still failed to fly, the race committee decided to abandon the Match Race Grand Final and declare the Americans the winners.
