Historic victory for the Kiwis: Emirates Team New Zealand retains the America’s Cup for the third consecutive time

Emirates Team New Zealand has once again written its name into sailing history by winning the 37th edition of the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup, after a dramatic and close-fought final regatta in Barcelona against INEOS Britannia. With a lead of just 37 seconds at the finish line, the Kiwis emerged victorious, successfully defending the trophy for the third time in a row, an impressive achievement that cements them as one of the most dominant teams in the history of the competition. .

The day began under a clear sky, with apparently calm conditions but a capricious wind, blowing between 7 and 11 knots, which would be the protagonist of the strategies of both the New Zealanders and the British. The tension was palpable in the water and on the Barcelona promenade, where thousands of spectators awaited what promised to be a historic regatta. Both teams faced each other with a clear objective: on the part of INEOS Britannia, to keep alive the hope of a comeback, and on the part of Emirates Team New Zealand, to close the competition with a definitive victory.

A tactical battle from the start

From the start, INEOS Britannia, led by coxswains Sir Ben Ainslie and Dylan Fletcher, showed an aggressive attitude in their attempt to force the Kiwis into mistakes. The British, entering from starboard, maneuvered to follow the New Zealanders to the far right of the racing area, seeking to control the game. However, Emirates Team New Zealand, with Peter Burling at the helm, remained calm and responded with tactical precision, finding better wind pressure that allowed them to take the lead.

Both teams were fighting inch by inch. While the British tried to block any possibility of advance by the Kiwis, they executed a series of rapid maneuvers, adjusting precisely to the wind patterns that were appearing in the bay of Barcelona. In one of the key moments of the race, Emirates Team New Zealand decided not to immediately cover INEOS Britannia and opted to stay in a straight line, trusting in a favorable wind shift that would give them a critical advantage.

A mistake opens a window for the British

Although it looked like the New Zealanders had the race under control, a small miscalculation of wind pressure by Emirates Team New Zealand allowed INEOS Britannia to come dangerously close on the second windward leg. The British crew did not miss this opportunity. With unwavering determination, they closed the gap, and at the second windward gate, both boats were literally tied, sailing side by side and leaving the race open to any outcome.

It was at that moment when the competition reached its peak of excitement. With the boats practically stuck together, INEOS Britannia chose to take the starboard mark, while the Kiwis did so on the port side. The margin was minimal and any maneuver could have defined the result. However, Emirates Team New Zealand, with an accurate reading of the wind and impeccable execution on the last beat, took off again.

The speed and precision of the Kiwis define the victory

In the final stages, Emirates Team New Zealand showed why they are considered one of the most powerful teams in the history of the America’s Cup. With absolute control of the boat, sailing at a speed of 47 knots and maintaining pressure on their British rivals, the Kiwis left no room for a new comeback. His tactics were impeccable: gybing at the right moment and keeping INEOS Britannia at bay, crossing the finish line 37 seconds ahead.

The excitement in the water was palpable, not only because of the tight fight between the teams, but also because of the historical context of the event. By crossing the finish line, Emirates Team New Zealand not only secured victory in this edition, but also became the first team in history to win the America’s Cup three consecutive times.

Peter Burling, excited after the victory:

“It’s a pretty surreal feeling… to have done it three times in a row is incredibly special.”

Celebrations and respect between teams

Upon arrival, the New Zealand team was greeted with cheers both in the water and on land. The crew of the “Taihoro” displayed a New Zealand flag and a message of thanks in Catalan: ‘Moltes Gràcies Barcelona’, a gesture that resonated with local spectators. The British, despite the defeat, showed great sportsmanship, surrounding the New Zealand boat to applaud their rivals, recognizing the effort and brilliance of Emirates Team New Zealand.

In addition, he praised INEOS Britannia, acknowledging that each race was a tough battle and that the British were “incredible challengers.”

For his part, Sir Ben Ainslie, visibly disappointed, expressed his pride in the progress his team has made this campaign and highlighted the great challenge it represented to face a team as strong as Emirates Team New Zealand.

The future of the Copa América

With the 37th America’s Cup now in the hands of Emirates Team New Zealand, attention now turns to the future of the competition. Grant Dalton, executive director of the event, assured that the next challenge will be announced shortly, keeping the tradition of this historic competition alive.

The 37th edition of the America’s Cup not only stood out for the tactical brilliance and speed of the boats, but also for the passion and competitive spirit that enveloped every moment on the water, making Barcelona the scene of one of the most exciting finals. in the recent history of sport.

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