The racing day of October 3, 2024, marked a decisive turning point in the Louis Vuitton Cup final in Barcelona. INEOS Britannia delivered a remarkable performance by winning both races of the day, extending their lead to 6-4 against Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli.
Challenging Sailing Conditions
The crews faced particularly demanding sailing conditions. An easterly wind blowing between 16 and 19 knots, accompanied by pronounced swells, put the sailors’ skills and the AC75s’ stability to the test. Dylan Fletcher, port helmsman of INEOS Britannia, highlighted the day’s difficulty: “The sea state deteriorated considerably compared to the warm-up, with one-meter waves that were really short, and quite strong wind”.
INEOS Britannia Dominates Proceedings
The British team demonstrated impressive mastery in these complex conditions. In the first race, INEOS Britannia capitalized on a Luna Rossa error to widen the gap. The second race was closer, but the British managed to maintain their lead despite some tense moments, particularly when they momentarily lost control of their rudder in the fourth leg.
Luna Rossa Under Pressure
The Italian team now finds itself with its back against the wall, needing to win the next three races to hope for qualification. Francesco Bruni, co-helmsman of Luna Rossa, remains optimistic: “We know we can win. We know we can do well, we just need to perform better next time”.
One Step Closer to the America’s Cup
This double victory puts INEOS Britannia just one win away from qualifying for the America’s Cup. If they succeed, it will be the first British participation in the prestigious competition since 1964. Ben Ainslie, skipper of INEOS Britannia, remains cautious despite the advantage: “It’s great, a good effort from the team, it’s really difficult to sail these boats in these waves, but there’s still a long way to go, we still need to get to seven wins”.
Next Deadline
The two teams will meet again on Friday, October 4, for the continuation of this thrilling final. INEOS Britannia will have the opportunity to conclude the series and secure their ticket to face the defender Emirates Team New Zealand in the 37th America’s Cup.This racing day once again demonstrated the intensity and exceptional technical level of this competition. The challenging conditions highlighted the crews’ mastery and the impressive performance of the AC75s, capable of reaching speeds over 50 knots despite the rough sea.