Cup Experience

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Results and Standings

Ben Ainslie’s Land Rover BAR team won the shortened Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Portsmouth event with a first and a second in Saturday’s racing. Winds over 30 knots and rough conditions caused Sunday’s racing to be abandoned.

Racing on their home waters and with more time in this type of boat than the other teams, Land Rover BAR showed sharp crew work and good tactics to win the opening race and then fight back from the middle of the pack to post a second in the day’s second race. Emirates Team New Zealand and new helmsman Peter Burling also looked impressive, winning the second race and coming in third in the first.

Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Portsmouth – Results

1. Land Rover BAR (1,2)
2. Emirates Team New Zealand (3,1)
3. Oracle Team USA ( 2,4)
4. Groupama Team France (6,3)
5. Softbank Team Japan (4,5)
6. Artemis Racing (5,6)

Remember that these races count, and could even determine the winner of the America’s Cup Match in 2017! Standings in the LVACWS will be used to break ties at the end of the round robin series, and could determine which team begins the match with one point. More information on how the scoring works here.

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Results: Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Portsmouth

Six foiling AC45F catamarans were on the course together for racing on Saturday. Ben Ainslie’s Land Rover BAR team won the shortened Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Portsmouth event with a first and a second in Saturday’s racing. Winds over 30 knots and rough conditions caused Sunday’s racing to be abandoned.

Racing on their home waters and with more time in this type of boat than the other teams, Land Rover BAR showed sharp crew work and good tactics to win the opening race and then fight back from the middle of the pack to post a second in the day’s second race. Emirates Team New Zealand and new helmsman Peter Burling also looked impressive, winning the second race and coming in third in the first.

America's Cup Fleet Racing on Foils

Results and Current Standings

  1. Land Rover BAR (1,2)
  2. Emirates Team New Zealand (3,1)
  3. Oracle Team USA ( 2,4)
  4. Groupama Team France (6,3)
  5. Softbank Team Japan (4,5)
  6. Artemis Racing (5,6)

Remember that points are totaled over two years, 2015-16 for the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series. At the end of the series, the top team carries two points into the double round robin of the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Qualifiers. Any ties in the qualifiers will be broken by standings in the LVACWS. So this racing could determine which team earns a bonus point to start the America’s Cup Match and it could also determine whether a challenger makes it through to the semi-finals of the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Playoffs. I’ve summarized the competition format here.

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Five key moments in the America’s Cup racing

 

Here are five highlights from the America’s Cup Match. To me, the most important moments came in the first race, won by Team New Zealand, came in the very first race: We saw that the racing was close and the boats were evenly matched.

The score was not close until Team USA was well into their comeback.

Have a look at this short video. If you like it, have a look at my project to publish a multimedia eBook.

 

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Video of Oracle Team USA tacking the AC72 faster

 

Faster tacks were key to Oracle Team USA’s comeback in the 2013 America’s Cup

Watch this video to see how Team USA improved their tacking to come back from 1-8 down and beat Team New Zealand in the America’s Cup 9-8.

 

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Race 10 tactical decisions

 

America’s Cup Race 10, won by Emirates Team New Zealand

In Race 10, OTUSA made two tactical decisions that both turned out badly, and ETNZ went on for the win. Let’s look at these two situations. 

After swapping the lead twice on the upwind leg, ETNZ sailed high and slow, to be able to duck OTUSA and still lay the right hand mark at Gate 3. With starboard advantage, OTUSA might have slowed down to prevent ETNZ from laying the mark. Or they might have tacked in front of ETNZ and rounded the right hand mark – Rule 18 gave them rights to mark room. Instead, they maintained speed, crossed in front and rounded the left hand mark, giving ETNZ the right side and starboard advantage on the downwind leg.

 

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Videos of all 19 America’s Cup races

 

34th America’s Cup – San Francisco

Winner: first to nine points, one point per race won. Before racing began, USA was penalized two points by the International Jury, so they started at -2 points and needed to win 11 races.

2013 America's Cup - San Francisco / Golden Gate Bridge and Transamerica Pyramid. Photo: Ezra Shaw - Getty Images
2013 America’s Cup – San Francisco / Golden Gate Bridge and Transamerica Pyramid. Photo: Ezra Shaw – Getty Images

 

Day 1 – Saturday September 7, 2013

The first surprise: Close races and lead changes. In both races, Emirates Team New Zealand started to windward and powered ahead to lead at Mark 1. In Race 1 the lead changed twice on the upwind leg. OTUSA had a slight tear in the skin of their wing, which they repaired with tape between races.

Race 1 – Emirates Team New Zealand won by 36 seconds
Race 2 – Emirates Team New Zealand won by 52 seconds

Score: USA -2 / NZL 2

 

Video: 34th America’s Cup Races 1 & 2

Day 2 – Sunday September 8, 2013

OTUSA wins both starts but only one race. In Race 3 OTUSA started to leeward and then luffed ETNZ at the first mark, getting a penalty on ETNZ. After trailing at the leeward gate, ETNZ sailed a strong upwind leg to take the lead. OTUSA scored their first win in Race 4, again starting to leeward, and leading the entire race.

Race 3 – Emirates Team New Zealand won by 28 seconds
Race 4 – Oracle Team USA won by 7 seconds

Score: USA -1 / NZL 3

Video: 34th America’s Cup Races 3 & 4

Day 3 – Tuesday September 10, 2013

Frustration for OTUSA: They started Race 5 to windward and rolled over ETNZ to lead at Mark 1, then built their lead to four seconds at the end of the first downwind leg. But tactician John Kostecki called for a “foiling tack” as they rounded the mark. Poor execution of the tack dropped their speed to just seven knots. The Kiwis took control on the upwind leg and went on to win. OTUSA used their “postponement card,” choosing to delay Race 6 to Thursday so they could regroup.

Race 5 – Emirates Team New Zealand won by 64 seconds
Race 6 – Postponed by Oracle Team USA (postponement card)

Score: USA -1 / NZL 4

Video: 34th America’s Cup Race 5

 

Day 4 – Thursday September 12, 2013

First day for Ben Ainslie on OTUSA as tactician, but the Kiwis won both races, coming from behind on Leg 3 of Race 6 and leading Race 7 wire to wire.

Race 6 – Emirates Team New Zealand won by 46 seconds
Race 7 – Emirates Team New Zealand won by 65 seconds

Score: USA -1 / NZL 6

Video: 34th America’s Cup Races 6 & 7

 

Day 5 – Saturday September 14, 2013

Team NZL almost capsized on leg 3, and OTUSA went on to win. OTUSA’s second win erases their second penalty point, bringing them to zero on points.

Race 8 – Oracle Team USA won by 52 seconds
Race 9 – Abandoned on leg 3 – upper wind limit exceeded.

Score: USA 0 / NZL 6

Video: 34th America’s Cup Race 8

 

Day 6 – Sun Sept 15, 2013 – OTUSA tactical error at windward gate in Race 10? 
OTUSA won the start of Race 9 by luffing ETNZ away from the line until 20 seconds after the gun. OTUSA then led wire to wire.

In Race 10 the lead changed four times. The teams split at Gate 3 at the end of the upwind leg. OTUSA was coming into the gate with starboard advantage, but did not use it, allowing ETNZ to round the right hand mark, getting starboard advantage for the first cross on the final run.

Race 9 – OTUSA won by 46 seconds
Race 10 – ETNZ won by 16 seconds

Score: USA 1 / NZL 7

Video: 34th America’s Cup Races 9 & 10

Day 7 – Tuesday September 17, 2013 – no racing

Races 11 & 12 – Postponed – upper wind limit exceeded.

Score: USA 1 / NZL 7

Day 8 – Wednesday September 18, 2013 – Emirates Team NZL moves to match point. They need one more win to take the Cup. For the first time, a reserve day is used. From now on, the Race Committee will try to start races every day until we have a winner.

Race 11 – ETNZ won by 46 seconds
Race 12 – Postponed – upper wind limit exceeded.

Score: USA 1 / NZL 8

Video: 34th America’s Cup Race 11

 

Day 9 – Thursday September 19, 2013 – OTUSA starts their improbable comeback.
OTUSA dominated the start, hooking ETNZ and forcing them to tack away from the line. On the upwind leg OTUSA averaged 1.5 knots faster and hit a peak over 36 knots while foiling upwind.
Race 12 – OTUSA won by 31 seconds
Race 13 – Postponed – upper wind limit exceeded.

Score: USA 2 / NZL 8

Video: 34th America’s Cup Race 12

 

Day 10 – Friday September 20, 2013 – Lucky break for OTUSA: saved by time limit.
In very light wind ETNZ was leading by over 1,000 meters with about one nautical mile to go when the 40 minute time limit expired and the race was abandoned. When the race was restarted, OTUSA won by almost a minute and a half – the biggest margin of the 19 races in the Match.

 

Race 13 – Abandoned when 40 minute time limit expired. ETZN was leading.
Race 13 – OTUSA won by 1:23

Score: USA 3 / NZL 8

Video: 34th America’s Cup Race 13

 

Day 11 – Saturday September 21, 2013 – no racing

Races 14 & 15 – Postponed due to unstable wind direction.

Score: USA 3 / NZL 8

 

Day 12 – Sunday September 22, 2013 – Two wire to wire wins for OTUSA
In both races OTUSA started to leeward and led at every mark rounding.

 

Race 14 – OTUSA won by 23 seconds
Race 15 – OTUSA won by 37 seconds

Score: USA 5 / NZL 8

Video: 34th America’s Cup Races 14 & 15

 

Day 13 – Monday September 23, 2013 – Wire to wire win for OTUSA in light wind
ETNZ took the leeward end of the line but OTUSA broke the overlap to lead at Mark 1. They led for the entire race.

Light winds delayed the start until 13:45. The race finished at 14:20. Since the rules require 32 minutes between races and no race was to be started after 14:40, Race 17 was postponed.

Race 16 – OTUSA won by 32 seconds
Race 17 – Postponed – latest start time 14:40 exceeded.

Score: USA 6 / NZL 8

Video: 34th America’s Cup Race 16

 

 

Day 14 – Tuesday September 24, 2013 – OTUSA wins two more, forcing showdown
OTUSA looked dominant while winning both races, forcing a winner take all showdown in Race 19.

Race 17 – OTUSA won by 27 seconds
Race 18 – OTUSA won by 54 seconds

Score: USA 8 / NZL 8

Video: 34th America’s Cup Races 17 & 18

 

Day 15 – Wednesday September 25, 2013 – OTUSA completes the COMEBACK!
OTUSA completed their historic comeback, defending the America’s Cup. ETNZ started to leeward and won the drag race to Mark 1 when OTUSA came off their foils and buried both bows. ETNZ led at Gate 2, but then sailed 600 meters more distance on the upwind leg, to trail by 26 seconds at Gate 3. OTUSA stretched out to win by 44 seconds.

Race 19 – OTUSA won by 44 seconds

Score: USA 9 / NZL 8

Video: 34th America’s Cup Race 19

 

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Gary Jobson America’s Cup Report 18

Jobson America’s Cup Report 18

September 25, 2013

Oracle Team USA Defends…Barely

By Gary Jobson

Today’s victory by Oracle Team USA concluded an America’s Cup that will add quite a unique chapter to the long history of this regatta.  At the post race press conference, team owner Larry Ellison, was on stage.  He was gracious, funny, respectful, interesting and happy. I sat among the 100 or so journalists thinking to myself, “Where has this guy been?” Ellison explained that he was absent because he simply wanted to support his team, and let them run the defense.  There was no doubt, however, who was in charge.  Alongside Ellison were the Australian skipper of OTUSA, James Spithill, the Australian strategist, Tom Slingsby, and the British tactician, Ben Ainslie.  The team leader, New Zealander Russell Coutts was not on stage, and he was missed.  Ellison gave Coutts considerable credit for pushing the team to improve when they were behind. Something happened during 19 races over the past 19 days that took the American team from awful to spectacular.

First a review of today’s big finale.  A brisk wind blew out of the WSW at 17-21 knots.  With a strong 1.4 knot flood current the wind limit was 24.4 knots.  Everyone in San Francisco, and around the world interested in the America’s Cup, was relieved that we would have a race today.  Emirates Team New Zealand won the start at the leeward end of the line and held an overlap at the first turn.  Just as the two AC 72s arrived at Mark 1 USA took a severe nose dive.  The thought of another disaster flashed in my head.  But James Spithill steered his catamaran out of harm’s way.  On the 3 mile run to the leeward gate NZL held a 2 length lead.  When USA 17 jibed, the Kiwis covered closely.  They did not make the same mistake they made yesterday when they failed to cover while leading.  The boats split courses at the gate.  NZL headed for the favored right side of the course that had considerably less current.  USA 17 started foiling to windward at 30 knots.  Soon the boats were even.  Yesterday in Race 18, USA 17 got around NZL due to sloppy tactics by the Kiwis.  This time the American team passed on pure speed.  It was impressive.  Spithill and his crew never looked back.  Closing in on Mark 4 Spithill even smiled, a first in this tension backed regatta.  He guided USA 17 across the finish line to cheers of 10,000 spectators on land, and millions watching on television around the world.  The Kiwis gave it their best, but just weren’t fast enough.

The 34th America’s Cup defense reminded me of a Usain Bolt 100 meter dash.  Out of the gates another runner often takes a quick lead.  After 40 meters Bolt gains and is even with the leader.  By the 60 meter mark Bolt has the lead, and stretches to a huge win.  Oracle Team USA was behind but sure came on strong.  It makes me wonder how much faster they would get if racing continued for another week

I doubt anyone in New Zealand was cheering, but I am sure they respected the USA turnaround.  No one was more impressed than ETNZ’s skipper, Dean Barker.  He and team leader, Grant Dalton admitted they knew they were in deep trouble the day before when Oracle easily stretch out on Leg 3.  The Kiwis were hurting, but to the man they were gracious and good sports. All 107 members of their team were on the stage for the prize giving.  Both crews shared hugs and handshakes on the pier next to the America’s Cup Park.

I have been part of this edition of the Cup since April, 2012.  It was most heartwarming to see the world suddenly take notice.  Stories appeared today on the front page of the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and scores of other newspapers around the world.  It was a great story. The score was 8-8.  The winner would claim the Cup.  USA 17 had won 7 straight races.  Emirates Team New Zealand looked great early but never seemed to get better, although Barker did say they were a lot faster in the Cup than the Louis Vuitton challenger trials.  The big question is what did Oracle do to improve so much?   Ellison seemed to want to explain everything at the press conference.  Unfortunately, he held back.  Spithill and Ainslie had nothing to add.

Ellison did say they made many changes, and that Russell Coutts was the person behind the scenes pushing.  Spithill laughingly pointed out that he was reminded by Russell that he (Spithill) had now skippered in 13 America’s Cup race victories, but that he (Russell) had won 14.  I am sure we will see Spithill at the helm again.  He is 34 and proved his ability to lead a team out of a deep hole.

At the press conference I asked Larry Ellison if they had received a hip pocket challenge for the next America’s Cup. He responded that they had, but would announce who it was in the coming weeks.  He also said they wanted to consult with other potential teams about the boats, and venue.  Ellison would not commit to San Francisco for a future Cup.

Many volunteers around the San Francisco Bay area participated on and off the water to make the regatta a success.  The Bay Area Yacht Club Alliance has supported the Cup for the past two years.  There were 10 yacht clubs that participated. The US Coast Guard was on patrol every race day.  Capt. Matt Bliven was in overall charge.  He is retiring on Sat. September 27. He and his staff were extremely helpful throughout the Cup.  The US Coast Guard has been part of every America’s Cup held in US waters since 1958.

After the race I hustled back to shore and joined my co-commentators Todd Harris and Ken Read in the booth.  We laced our thoughts between the prize giving and post race activities.  One of the great pleasures of the Cup was working with Todd, Ken our producer Leon Sefton and director Wayne Leonard.   When our program dipped to black all 92 members of our production team poured out of our various studios and areas.  There were big hugs, and many tears (me included). Everyone knew a new, high television production standard had been set, not only for covering sailing, but for sports television.  The technology of the broadcast from the on board cameras by SIS, AC LiveLine graphics, perfectly stabilized aerial and water view images, the clear sound from the sailors, the features, interviews and special moments all came together for this all important showdown.

In a few years there will be another America’s Cup. Based on the history of the Cup, there will be more fascinating stories, intriguing personalities, many twists and turns, triumphs and disappointments that will extend the narrative.  One thing that never changes is that the America’s Cup attracts highly motivated people who want to compete at the highest level.  To get your boat’s name engraved on the oldest trophy in international sports is hard, but when you do the effort is worth it. Larry Ellison will have his boat’s name engraved on the Auld Mug for the second time.

I will have more to say about the future of the  America’s Cup in the November issue of Sailing World magazine.  Thanks for reading my AC Reports.  From San Francisco I am signing off.

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Gary Jobson America’s Cup Report 17

Jobson AC Report 17

September 24, 2013

SHOWDOWN!

The 34th America’s Cup defense has turned into more of a people show than a boat show.  Sure the boats are amazingly fast, technological marvels, but the emotional highs and lows that we are feeling while watching and listening to the sailors compete is the epitome of human drama.  How could anyone write a script for such a compelling narrative?

Think about these story lines:  The America’s Cup has been won and lost by the most successful business leaders of their eras.  This is the oldest continuously contested trophy in international sports dating back to 1851.  The score is tied at 8-8. We are down to one, 30 minute race around a 10 mile course, off the city front of San Francisco.  A tiny, sailing crazed nation, with a home grown crew, is up against one of the wealthiest men in the world who has acquired the services of Olympic champions and superstars from 7 nations.  New Zealand has been one race from winning the Cup for a week, while Oracle Team USA has felt the pressure of being on the brink of defeat for 7 races in a row.  Tomorrow one team will be heroes, the other will be hurting for a long time.

On the 18th day of the Cup we saw two very different races today.  In the first contest the Australian skipper of the American boat, James Spithill, forced the New Zealanders into irons at the start.  This is the equivalent of a football player fumbling the ball in his own end zone and the other team recovering it for a touchdown.   USA 17 jumped to a comfortable lead.  After the start the boats seemed fairly even in speed in 15-18 knots of wind.  With another American victory the score stood at 8-7 with ETNZ still leading the series.  After the race the Kiwi skipper, Dean Barker, sounded determined to get right back on the race course.

Race Two commenced on schedule. At the start both boats hit the line at the same time. USA 17 was to windward.  Could they drive over the top of NZL?  Barker was in the better inside position and luffed Spithill at the first turning mark. Downwind USA 17 gained a length or two.  There wasn’t much difference in speed between the AC72s.  Both cats streaked down the course at 41 knots.  About 1/2 mile from the leeward gate USA 17 jibed.  Inexplicably NZL continued on.  The leading boat should always cover by staying between the competitor and the next mark.  The American boat was working to set up a split at the gate to sail on a different course than the Kiwis.  Had NZL jibed with USA 17 they would have stayed in phase.  Then USA 17 would have been forced to make two jibes to get the split.  In contrast, in previous races, OTUSA’s tactician, Great Britain’s, Ben Ainslie covered closely when they were ahead on Leg Two.

On the third leg to windward USA 17 inched up under the lee of Alcatraz Island.  I wonder if the prisoners in the 1930s would have been able to watch the Cup races had they taken place on the Bay at that time?  NZL tacked over.  They were crossing by about 3 lengths.  NZL’s tactician, Ray Davies, called for a tack ahead but to leeward of USA 17.  At that moment, Spithill headed down a few degrees, got his boat foiling and sailed right over NZL.  The Kiwis were stunned.  When USA 17 tacked back into the center of course, NZL followed immediately.  NZL could have extended a few more lengths and that might have helped them keep their wind clear.  It is never tidy when a faster boat passes a slower boat.  At that moment USA 17 took off and sailed away from NZL at an astonishing rate.  It reminds me of the philosophy of boxer, Mike Tyson, who said, “Every opponent has a plan until I punch them in the nose.”  The crew of Emirates Team New Zealand looked as if Tyson had landed one of his punishing left hooks.  USA 17 crossed the line in triumph.  The American team had tied the score at 8 to 8.

After the race I think Jimmy Spithill was ready to sail the finale right then.  His crew looked super happy.  Over on NZL it was total devastation.  Neither Dean Barker, Ray Davies or syndicate head, Grant Dalton were up to doing a post race interview from the boat.  Their faces told the story.  Their boat and crew were no longer the dominant team they were for the first 11 days of this historic match.

On August 28 I predicted in my AC Report 5 that ‘Oracle Team USA would defend….barely.’ Little did I know at the time that their wing trimmer would be disqualified from competition for illegally altering the team’s AC 45s last year.  Nor did I know that USA 17 would be so slow compared to New Zealand on the opening weekend.  Nor did I realize how Oracle could make such at comeback.  An old saying defined the American team, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

After each losing day Jimmy Spithill would boldly declare, “We can win races.”  The press corp was incredulous.  He made his statements with such over-the-top conviction that it made you wonder if maybe he was right.   It reminds me of the great football quarterback Joe Namath’s bold guarantee that the upstart American Football League, New York Jets, would defeat the mighty Baltimore Colts.  The Jets won 16-7.  Namath has been a hero ever since.

Spithill must have known that his design team and shore crew had many experiments that might give the boat additional speed.  The big secret around here is what did OTUSA do to improve their speed?  I believe it is a combination of many little things. Eventually, we will know.  After every America’s Cup designers and engineers present papers on their research and innovations.  I bet we see volumes of material published over the next few years.  The secret of the USA turnaround is the
designers.

BUT!

The America’s Cup is not over.  We have one more race. OTUSA has won 10 times.  They only have 8 points because two were taken away for their rules infractions.  New Zealand has won 8 races, but was ahead in three other races that were abandoned for either too much wind, or too little.  The weather let the Kiwis down just as they were close to securing their ninth victory.  Mother nature can be cruel.

Sports are compelling because we can never really know the outcome.  That is why these races are so much fun to watch.  To be the only journalist commentating in the middle of race course is quite a privilege.  I have never watched, or sailed in such a hard fought battle.

After the race today I was talking with my co-commentator Todd Harris and our producer Leon Sefton.  My cell phone rang.  On the other end of the line was Ted Turner.  He was in Atlanta and has been watching all the races.  He sounded excited and was very complementary about our television coverage.  Ted is one the greatest sailors of our time.  He  has won the America’s Cup was a four time Yachtsman of the Year, is a member of the National Sailing Hall of Fame and one of the most successful television visionaries in the world.  Ted, like so many other sailors and non sailors alike, has been riveted by this America’s Cup.  I am sure he will be watching tomorrow.

Todd Harris, Ken Read and I will do our best to let the pictures play, and the words of the competitors tell the story as we describe the biggest sailboat race of this century.  Tune in at 4pm ET (1 pm PT) to the NBC Sports Network.

Most everyone here in San Francisco believes Oracle Team USA has the America’s Cup being re bolted to its pedestal.  If Oracle prevails they will complete an amazing turn around. If New Zealand finds a way to win, it will be an even bigger turn around.  As the legendary Al Michaels once asked, while calling a hockey game during the 1980 Winter Olympic Games, “Do you believe  miracles.?”  At this point it might take a miracle for the proud New Zealanders to win, but are you sure they won’t ?  You better watch because America’s Cup history will be written tomorrow.

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Gary Jobson America’s Cup Report 16

Jobson AC Report 16

September 23, 2013

Answering the Challenge

By Gary Jobson

President Bill Clinton had a great expression when meeting people with troubles.  He always connected by saying, “I feel your pain.”   To paraphrase Mr. Clinton, “We are feeling Emirate Team New Zealand’s pain.”   The fading, near winners of the America’s Cup, just don’t seem to have an answer for the remarkable comeback by Oracle Team USA. The Kiwis have canceled victory celebrations, a charter flight to Auckland and said goodby to many fans who have patiently waited for the big win.  This could be the biggest collapse in the history of the America’s Cup. Just 5 days ago ETNZ was up 8-1, but now the score is 8-6.  The USA has won five straight, and are getting faster, and better with each race.  What can the Kiwis do?

First a quick review of the performance differences between NZL and USA 17.  At the start of Race16 today both boats were exactly 0.5 seconds behind the starting line according to the AC LiveLine data.  In 12.2 knots of wind (at least what I read on the race committee boat, Regardless) OTUSA lifted up on its foils immediately after the start. New Zealand did not lift off its foils and was rolled by USA 17 that had started to windward.  On the downwind leg, the American boat slowly stretched out. Half way down Leg 3 NZL rolled out its genneker.  The speeds were nearly identically.  Not taking any chances OTUSA rolled out its genneker.  At the leeward gate the boats split sides.  Against a 1.5 knot flood current, and sailing in spotty 11-15 knot winds, the two boats seemed even in speed.  Just last week NZL would have sailed right past USA 17.  Not anymore.

So let’s say you have to defeat a boat that is faster reaching, has a slight edge downwind, can foil earlier, and can maneuver just as well as you. What could you do to reach the finish line ahead? The first step is to win the start.  NZL skipper, Dean Barker has won several starts.  He knows he can do it.  OTUSAs, Australian skipper, James Spithill understands that Barker is really good and will try not to take risky chances.  Barker must be bold, and try something that Spithill doesn’t expect. Against a boat that appears to accelerate faster, Barker needs to start to leeward and ahead and force USA 17 away from the first mark.  On the downwind leg, Kiwi tactician Ray Davies, must look forward and keep his boat in stronger winds.  At times he should call to cover closely, while at other times he must be bold when he is sure his boat is in better wind.  These are tricky calls, but this is the moment for greatness. If NZL can round ahead at the leeward gate they must cover USA 17 and use their starboard advantage and wind shadow to force USA 17 to make extra tacks, or sail in disturbed wind.   If the USA gets behind on Leg 3, watch them make some desperate moves. Life is good when you are leading, but things can change if you get behind.  When the hard truth of defeat is on the horizon mistakes are often made.

In my long career on the match race circuit, and in a number of America’s Cup trials, I have been on a slower boat, and still found a way to win.  (I have also been on  faster boats and still lost). Every athlete is capable of mistakes including the crew of USA 17.  For NZL it starts with the belief that they can win.  Dean Barker and his crew have already won 8 races, and they have been ahead in three others that were canceled.   Bad luck for NZL, but you can’t look back.  It hasn’t been so easy for OTUSA either. They had to eat a 2 point penalty and yet have kept fighting back. Barker and his tactician, Ray Davies, have been mates since their earliest days.  There is a real trust between them. Together they can find a way to win. Right now they need a spark to break out of this slump.  I am not sure why team leader, Grant Dalton, has been off the crew roster, but he needs to get back on the boat. Dalton may have an injury, or some other issue that keeps him out of the lineup, but I think his presence makes a difference.

Completing this America’s Cup feels like waiting for astronaut John Glenn’s space launch in 1962.  Glenn was on the launch pad for weeks before his rocket, Friendship 7 was ready, and the weather conditions favorable.  Like Glenn’s experience years ago, the mental strain on those involved in this Cup is causing fatigue.  Everyone expected this to be long over. According to yachting historian, John Rousmaniere, the longest span in days for a Cup match was back in 1899.  The NYYC race committee tried to complete races starting on October 3 between Columbia and Shamrock.  The last race was completed on October 20.  That’s 18 days.  Tomorrow is the 18th day of the 34th Defense.

If NZL can win the opening race scheduled to start at 1:15 local time, the Cup is over.  If NZL loses they might pull a card that allows them to postpone the second race of the day.  But, Dean Barker said at the post race press conference that they would not. We will see.  The wind is expected to blow harder tomorrow. Luckily, we will have a flood tide of 1.6 knots for the first race, raising the 23 knot wind limit to 24.6 knots. I doubt the wind will build that high.  Calling for a time out would force the Kiwis to sail two races on Wednesday. The stakes are incredibly high.  But, when you think about it, where would you rather be than on one of the AC 72s for a race of this magnitude?

The crowds today were paltry.  I counted a maximum of 25 spectator boats on the water.  Some of the bleachers along the waterfront are being dismantled.  This is in stark contrast to the huge crowds that were watching over the past few weekends.  For most people normal life needs to continue.  The dramatic drop in attendance reminds me of 1969 when an estimated 400,000 people attended the Woodstock Music & Art Fair. The last act on the list of star studded rock bands that performed throughout a three day weekend did not get to play until Monday morning.  Jimmy Hendrix gave the performance of his career, and yet, only 25,000 were on hand to hear him.

Sometime over the next one, two or three days, either Oracle Team USA, or Emirates Team New Zealand will win the America’s Cup. Every race will be broadcast live on the NBC Sports Network starting at 4pm Eastern time (1pm Pacific). These will be epic races for the ages.  One team will feel pain, the other will be somewhere between elated and ecstatic.

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Is “The Comeback” in the America’s Cup inevitable?

 

Score now 8-6 in America’s Cup Match

Oracle Team USA has won five races in a row and seven of the last nine to trail Emirates Team New Zealand 8-6 on points, after deducting their 2 point penalty.

America's Cup Race 16 won by Oracle Team USA over Emirates Team New Zealand in San Francisco

The faster boat almost always wins the America’s Cup

Oracle Team USA has made constant modifications to their boat throughout the America’s Cup Match. They have used a separate measurement certificate for every single race – 16 certificates so far. On days with two races they have changed the rake of their rudders between races. Each night they make bigger changes. They now clearly have the faster boat.

Winning the starts is key to winning the America’s Cup

OTUSA won the start again in Race 16. The only start ETNZ has won in the last five races was in Race 13, but they lost that race after OTUSA took the lead on the first downwind leg. ETNZ needs to win the start and build a lead in order counter OTUSA’s better boatspeed.

Race 12 was the turning point in this America’s Cup

OTUSA won the start with a late hook in Race 12, forcing ETNZ onto port tack before the start. For the first time, they showed better upwind speed, foiling upwind at over 30 knots. They have now won five in a row. ETNZ has been stuck at match point since winning Race 11 on Wednesday 18 September. The momentum is clearly with OTUSA.

OTUSA still needs to win three races, ETNZ only needs one

Any breakdown, mistake or just a little bad luck for OTUSA could hand a race and the America’s Cup to the Kiwis.  Let’s enjoy the rest of the racing.

Cartoon by Mark O'Brien - www.monstacartoons.com Cartoon by Mark O’Brien – www.monstacartoons.com

 

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Light wind means longest America’s Cup getting longer

The 2013 America’s Cup in San Francisco is now the longest in history – 17 calendar days and counting. Light and variable winds are forecast for today, Monday 23 September, so it is unlikely that two races can be run, and we may not have any racing.

America's Cup regatta director Iain Murray describes the forecast for today, 23 Septmeber: light and variable wind may cause postponement. America’s Cup regatta director Iain Murray describes the forecast for today, 23 September: light and variable wind may cause postponement.

The race committee now has performance data for the boats in light air – on Friday 20 September, Race 13 was started in light wind but was abandoned when the 40 minute time limit ran out. The performance data show that a race run in under 10 knots of breeze will not finish within the time limit – one more reason to wonder if races can be started today.

 

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Gary Jobson America’s Cup Report 15

Jobson AC Report 15

September 22, 2013

Speed,Smarts and a Little Luck

By Gary Jobson

Can Emirates Team New Zealand dig into their collective inner soul and find a way to win the 34th America’s Cup?  The way it is going the Kiwis are in deep trouble.

Oracle Team USA is on a roll.  They are winning starts, sailing really smart, and at times they are blazingly fast.  The USA still needs to win four races to successfully defend, while NZL only needs one victory to take the Cup down under.  Race 16 on Monday will mark the longest period in Cup racing days since the first defense in 1870.  Several thousand fans from NZ, who are here in San Francisco, can’t believe what is happening.  Neither can the team.  Three races have been abandoned when NZL was ahead for either too much wind, or too little, hence the bad luck.  I still believe the Kiwis can pull this off.

It starts with a renewed attitude.  NZL skipper, Dean Barker, has got to ignore all the noise, expectations, thoughts of destiny, or even winning the regatta.  He needs to declare to his team that they are going to win, and do it with such determination that everyone believes him.  I watched Ted Turner do this many times.  True conviction is infectious.   The sailors and the design team need to work through every possible improvement that is available.  Any changes must be in sync with the wind, current and wave conditions.  The USA has been masterful at making innovations after going 1-3 in the first two days of the regatta. Today, in 16 knots of wind, I watched USA 17 race by my position on the race committee boat on Leg 3 at 29 knots.  The boat was up on its foils while sailing to windward.  In contrast, at that moment, NZL was sailing at 22 knots.  Does NZL have an answer?

Since Race One OTUSA seems to have a small edge sailing downwind.  If the USA has a weak spot it is sailing upwind in lighter winds.  Tomorrow the weather is forecast for light wind in the morning.  This might be the best opportunity for NZL.  If they lose the first race, and the wind starts to build, NZL might pull out a postponement card for the late day race, and hope the wind is light for the next day.  Certainly the Kiwis want to avoid a winner take all race with the score tied up.

To win, Dean Barker has to take the start.  On my unofficial score card, in 14 races Barker has won 6 starts, and OTUSA’s Australian skipper, James Spithill, has won 8.  Before today’s first race I watched Spithill and crew methodically practice several starts.  They did short timed runs, long timed runs, acceleration practice, and worked the middle, leeward and windward ends of the line.  They maximized their practice time like it was their last opportunity to hold on to the America’s Cup.  Oh, wait a minute, every race is their last opportunity to hold on to the America’s Cup.  In contrast ETNZ, went through their normal routine which is to cross the line, sail to Mark 1 and do some jibes.  But, they did not use the pre-race practice period for intense starting practice.  Maybe they should set up a starting line early in the morning and schedule some practice starts.

If the Kiwis can win the start the next problem is staying ahead on the downwind leg, knowing they might be a little slower. This is where the tactician, Ray Davies, needs to make good calls.  Most of the time the leading boat must cover, but sometimes it is better to stay in stronger wind, than make extra maneuvers.  Over on USA 17, British tactician, Ben Ainslie, has found the correct balance between covering and going for better wind.  This is where championships (or America’s Cups) are won.

ETNZ has plenty of strengths.  Dean Barker is doing a really good job steering.  The crew continues to handle their boat with precision on every maneuver.  But for Mr. Davies?  This is his hour.  My advice is to simply go out and have some fun.  Treat the next race just like you would in any weekend regatta.  If you get caught up thinking about the high stakes of this event, you are cooked.  Going with your gut instinct always seems to work.

A few days before the first race of the 1977 America’s Cup I will never forget Ted Turner telling me, “I am going to have fun in this regatta, because I think it will improve our chances of winning.”

Oracle Team USA’s owner, Larry Ellison, has a lot on his plate at the moment.  About 60,000 people are here in San Francisco for Oracle Open World, a huge technology conference.  This is an important event for his company.  Yet, he is on the water for every race.  Mr. Ellison stopped by our race committee boat yesterday for a brief hello and seemed very energized by his sailing team’s turn around.  My only regret for him in this Cup is that Ellison should have been able to sail on his boat.  Whatever format evolves for the next America’s Cup I hope the owners can be aboard.  Surely, this would be a good incentive for captains of industry to organize sailing teams.

The number of spectator boats on the water is getting smaller by the day.  I have never seen so few boats watching an America’s Cup.  I spoke at a local yacht club here on Friday night.  I asked why more boats were not out on the bay.  Several people at my table said, “Its better watching on television.”  Lucky me, I get to do both.  Being aboard the race committee boat with our television crew, cameraman Greg Peterson and engineer Bruce Jackson, has been great fun. We have the television images, AC LiveLine graphic information, and get to see the boats up close.  At times they sail past within one boat length.

Racing on San Francisco certainly provides good theater for spectators all along the shore line.  But I would like to add an editorial comment.  The restrictions of where the course can be set makes it a difficult challenge for the race committee.  Yesterday we were unable to get a race off because the wind was left of 230 degrees.  If a race had been sailed the boats would have reached to each mark.  A parade would be unfair to the competitors. The race committee will not start a race if the wind is to the right of 280 degrees.   To make the short 40 minute time limit the wind needs to average at least 8 knots.  But, we can not race in winds over 23 knots for safety reasons.  These are severely limiting parameters.  If the races are to be held on San Francisco Bay in the future, a little more flexibility is order.

As I mentioned in an earlier AC Report I like cheering for one team at sporting events.  Right now I want both teams to win.  It would be heart warming to watch Dean Barker and his Kiwi crew break out of their slump and win it.  It means a lot to that tiny nation.  At the same time I am really enjoying watching James Spithill and his team come charging back after near certain defeat.  While commentating on the races for television I always have my tactician’s mind engaged.  Ben Ainslie is great fun to watch.  He is like a chess master.  Ainslie gets a helpful mental boost from the observations of OTUSA’s strategist, Tom Slinsby.  Every sailor should listen carefully to the communication between these two Olympic champions.

I guess a tie is out of the question.  One team must win nine races.  It could happen tomorrow, or it could come down to one race with the score tied at 8-8.  Either way the conclusion is going to be fascinating.   Tell your friends to tune in and watch sailing history being made.  We may never see anything like this again.

At 4pm Eastern time (1 pm Pacific) Todd Harris, Ken Read and I, along with our very energized production team look forward to bringing you the finale of the 34th America’s Cup defense.

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America’s Cup Match Race 13 abandoned then resailed

 

Kiwis were within one nautical mile of winning America’s Cup but USA scores the point

Race 13 was abandoned when the 40 minute time limit ran out in Race 13 of the America’s Cup Match on Friday 20 September. Emirates Team New Zealand gybed better and picked the windshifts to build a lead of over half a nautical mile when time ran out. In the resailed race later in the day, Oracle Team USA lost the start to ETNZ but took the lead for good on the first run when they crossed while on starboard and ETNZ was penalized for not keeping clear.

americas-cup-race13-leg2-cross-penaty-LL

americas-cup-race13-penalty-etnz-1-title
OTUSA on starboard at 27 knots, needed to change course to avoid ETNZ.
americas-cup-race13-penalty-etnz-2
The umpires’ guideline for “keeping clear” is leaving 8 meters when the boats are at speed.
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Jimmy Spithill needed to mark a hard turn to avoid ETNZ in Race 13 of the America’s Cup Match

 

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Saturday America’s Cup racing postponed

 

Frustration reigns at the America’s Cup. Friday saw Race 13 abandoned when the 40 minute time limit expired with Emirates Team New Zealand three quarters of a mile ahead of Oracle Team USA and within one mile of taking home the America’s Cup. OTUSA then won Race 13 when it was restarted, to stay alive.

americas-cup-stayin-alive

 

America’s Cup in San Francisco – Hotel California?

Our America’s Cup cartoonist, Mark O’Brien, decorated the Media Center to fit the emotions of the journalists who have been here for weeks and months …

 

americas-cup-hotel-california

 

As the Eagles sang, 

Last thing I remember, I was
Running for the door
I had to find the passage back
To the place I was before
“Relax, ” said the night man,
“We are programmed to receive.
You can check-out any time you like,

But you can never leave!

 

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Gary Jobson America’s Cup Report 14

Jobson AC Report 14

September 20, 2013

America’s Cup Destiny?

By Gary Jobson

How would you like to have four time British Olympic champion, Sir Ben Ainslie, calling tactics for you in the biggest race of your life?  Adding to the collective wisdom of the  Team Oracle USA afterguard is another Olympic champion, Australian, Tom Slingsby.   The USA team (with only one American on board) took another step closer to defending the America’s Cup.  They were very lucky when light winds prevented Emirates Team New Zealand from crossing the finish line when NZL was well ahead but just missed finishing within the required 40 minutes.  In the re-sail of Race 13, Ainslie’s tactics were the difference.  At 8-3, the score still favors New Zealand but you get the feeling here in San Francisco, that OTUSA’s Australian skipper, James Spithill, along with Ainslie and their crew are on a roll, and just might pull off the biggest upset in the history of sailing.  Is it destiny, or determination?

When Spithill came strutting down the promanade at Pier 27 for the post race press conference he looked like Popeye just after eating his spinach.  He knows he has the boat and team to go all the way now.  New Zealand’s skipper, Dean Barker, seems to be feeling the pressure.  Outwardly, he remains calm and assured, but inside this event has got to be eating away at his psyche.  Barker only needs one more win on a 10 mile course to take the America’s Cup back to New Zealand.  Just-one more-win!  Getting it will not be easy, but is certainly possible.

Oracle Team USA started this regatta in disarray.  Their starts, tactics, boat handling and speed were way off the pace set by the Kiwis.  Something changed.  Larry Ellison got engaged.  He visited the Team base at least two times, and got his giant machine in gear.   The America’s Cup trophy mysteriously appeared in front of the boat when the crew arrived after losing two races on Day One.  The message was clear.

The 32 (or so) designers went to work for Ellison’s sailing team.  Spithill kept saying they could win races.  The speeds of the boats became even.   Ainslie was substituted in as tactician replacing American, John Kostecki.  The move has proven to be a good one. Ainslie is getting better with every race.  Ainslie knows how to win. I witnessed his relentless pursuit for victory at the Olympic Games in Weymouth, last summer. Ainslie had to beat Denmark’s Jonas Hogh-Christensen in the final medal race to earn his record setting 4th Gold medal.  (Ainslie also won a silver medal in the Olympics at the age of 19 in 1996).  Ainslie had been trailing throughout the Games last summer.  It took a herculean effort for him to dig out of a deep hole, and then win it all by coming from behind to beat Hogh-Christensen in the final race.

On board USA 17, and around the waterfront, Ainslie looks like he is having a good time.  Being focused, and yet relaxed in the heat of battle, is a good combination. Racing will continue with no lay days until one boat wins nine races.  OTUSA still has to win 6 more in a row.  New Zealand only needs one.  Can they do it?

The Kiwis realize their boat is just about the same speed as USA 17.  Both crews are handling the boats efficiently during maneuvers.  In a long series like this the pressure builds.  The press, fans, supporters and even team mates get impatient.  While the races are short, the nature of the Cup can take awhile to conclude.  In 2003 it took Alinghi 16 days to defeat New Zealand.  In 1983 Australia II finally defeated Liberty 4-3 after 13 days.  Tomorrow’s race will be Day 14.  A review of Race 13 is in order.

In the re-sailed race that counted, Dean Barker, brilliantly won the start.   He had lost 3 starts in a row to Spithill.  The Kiwis had a five length lead half way down Leg Two. Somehow, New Zealand’s tactician, Ray Davies allowed his boat to get in a position where the disturbed wind off the USA 17 wing slowed NZL down. Ainslie saw an opening and pounced.  When the boats converged USA 17 was on starboard.  NZL was at risk on port.  Just before a potential collision Spithill sharply altered course, and protested.  The umpires ruled in favor of USA 17. The penalty went away because NZL was well behind.  At the time I thought NZL was clear, but a review of the AC LiveLine graphics, in slow motion, showed that the umpires made the correct call.  Approaching the leeward gate, Ainslie called to jibe and switch from rounding the left gate to the right gate. Davies decided to make two costly jibes at slow speed to take the left gate.  NZL was well back after that unfortunate move.

The Kiwis had one possible opening half way up Leg 3.  In the middle of the course USA tacked on NZL.  Davies could have called for a tack to get back over to the south side of the course. The wind was shifting to the left, which favored the city side. There was also a stronger ebb current along the shore line.  Davies elected to use boat speed to get clear.  The wind did shift to the left.  USA 17 gained.  The one opportunity Davies had slipped away.  While Ainslie constantly consults with Tom Slingsby about tactics, Davies is the lone tactician on his boat.  Today he could have used a little help.  To his credit, Dean Barker concentrates on steering and never second guesses Davies.  With the speeds of  both AC 72s so even, after the start, Davies is the man that has to make the correct calls.

Missing on ETNZ today was team leader, Grant Dalton.  He might not agree with me, but his presence sure seems to help.  Just saying Grant!

As an aside the wind limits are a big issue here.  The 23 knot wind limit (adjusted for current) was set in the interest of safety.  OTUSA would like to raise the limit.  New Zealand doesn’t think the rules should be changed in the middle of the game.  I agree with New Zealand on this point.  The sailing instructions say races can be started in 5 knots of wind, but the boats can’t sail around the 5 leg, 10 mile course in under 40 minutes.  Either the minimum wind speed should go up, or the time limit should be extended to 50 minutes. (New Zealand missed finishing by about 2 minutes today). During the 12 Meter era the time limit was 4.5 hours on a 23.4 mile course.

This America’s Cup is becoming one of the biggest battles in the Cup’s history.  The USA is getting stronger every day.  Larry Ellison is on the case.  Spithill is energized.  Ainslie is smooth.  The American boat seems to be lucky when they need it.  The Kiwis are getting nervous.  All 4.4 million people in New Zealand are cheering on their team.  I think many of them are here in San Francisco.  They need one more race.  Just one.  Maybe Barker, Davies and DALTON should take a line from Spithill, and declare, “We can win races.”  As I asked earlier, “Is it destiny or determination?”  For me it is determination.   If the USA wins, the Spithill strut we saw today, will look more like Y.A. Tittle on his knees in the end zone after losing a championship football game.  The late, great announcer Jim McKay described moments like this, with his famous prose:  “The thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat.”  The 34th America’s Cup is sports theater at its best.

Our coverage continues on the NBC Sports Network at 4pm Eastern (1pm Pacific).  Todd Harris, Ken Read and I look forward to calling these epic races,  and we hope you will be watching right along with us.

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Gary Jobson America’s Cup Report 12

 

Inner Strength at the America’s Cup

By Gary Jobson

Imagine what is going in the mind of Oracle Team USA’s Australian skipper, Jimmy Spithill. His team is down 8-1.  One more loss and the America’s Cup moves on to New Zealand for the second time in 18 years.   You might think the pressure is enormous, but I hope his focus is simply on winning the next race.  He can not think about the final result, the consequences, the disappointment, or his next gig.  Spithill needs to win the next start, then get ahead, and find a way to stay ahead.  If he does that, he can move on to the next race.  Skipper Spithill has many tools at his disposal including a boat that is even in speed with his rival,  the world’s most successful Olympic sailing champion as a tactician, a crew that is working their guts out, a design team and shore crew that keeps improving the speed of the boat, and the support of a very motivated owner.   Spithill can end up on the long list of losing America’s Cup skippers, or make the biggest comeback in the history of sailing.  It is all on his shoulders.  And, guess what?  We get to watch him go into battle in the biggest race (s) of his life.

In 1983 Spithill’s countrymen were down 1-3 against Dennis Conner in the America’s Cup.  The tenacious Aussies won 3 straight to take the Cup down under.  In 1920 the America defender was down 0-2 behind Shamrock IV in a best of 5 series.  The Americans won the last three races.  In 1934 Harold Vanderbilt’s Rainbow was down 0-2 in a best of 7 series.  The USA was behind in Race 3.  But clever tactics by Rainbow’s tactician, Sherman Hoyt, helped Rainbow take the lead on the final leg of the race.  The British never won another race.  Rainbow prevailed 4-2.  The stories of sports heroics are the stuff of legend.  If Spithill wins a race, and then another, and another the pressure will shift and put Emirates Team New Zealand in an increasingly defensive position.  Again, it will be great fun to watch.

Historically, September 18 has been a big day in the America’ Cup.  In 1930 Vanderbilt’s Enterprise defeated Shamrock V 4-0 to successfully defend.  In 1967, Intrepid swept Australia’s Dame Pattie 4-0.  Three of Intrepid’s crew would later become Commodores of the New York Yacht Club:  Skipper, Bus Mosbacher; bowman, George Hinman; and grinder, David Elwell.  And in 1977, Ted Turner and our crew aboard Courageous defeated Australia 4-0.  Our team stays in close contact.  We have a reunion every five years with full attendance.  How many teams can say that?

There is considerable talk around the San Francisco waterfront about the format and nature of the next America’s Cup.  Of course, no one from New Zealand will utter a word about anything on the horizon.  I will have a full discussion about the future of the America’s Cup in the November issue of Sailing World magazine.

I am not sure I should admit this, but I have been present at some part of the America’s Cup dating back to 1962 when I was 12 years old.  This event is in my bones.  I have been a member of five Cup crews over the years.  To this day I am grateful that Ted Turner gave me a chance to be his tactician.  Winning in 1977 was one of the greatest moments in the lives of our crew.   The 34th Defense is the 9th time I have served as a commentator on television.  The story lines never cease to amaze me. The behind the scenes work of our 92 person team has been special.  Every day we work hard to improve.  Covering sailing is not an exact science.  Most everyone on the team is an active sailor.  The aerial photography, on board cameras and microphones, amazing graphics, steady water view shots have been breathtaking.  How cool it is for Todd Harris,  Ken Read and me to interpret what is going on out on the water.  Thanks are in order to Oracle Corporation’s Larry Ellison for making this production a reality.

Occasionally, I am reminded that words count.  After racing was postponed on Tuesday I casually remarked while on the air to my partner Ken Read, that I had lined up 3 Lasers to go sailing that afternoon and that we should get our on air host, Todd Harris, on the water.  Within hours the Laser Class President, Tracy Usher, and several Laser greats including Chris Boome, Russ Silvestri, Nick Burke and Ron Witzel were lining up boats.  One of them even suggested that they should invite OTUSA’s Tom Slingsby to join us.  Tom has won the Laser Worlds and an Olympic Gold medal last summer.  Ken and I talked about showing up with a foiling Laser.

The 34th Defense of the America’s Cup might conclude on Thursday with a New Zealand victory in one of two scheduled races.  If Jimmy Spithill can dig down deep, find his inner strength and win on Thursday, he might be able to start running the table.  It would be the comeback of all time. What fun it will be to watch.

Our coverage continues LIVE on the NBC Sports Network at 4 pm ET, (1 pm PT).

 

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America’s Cup Race 10 last downwind leg

 

Use the Cup Experience LiveLine Race Viewer to analyze any part of any of the America’s Cup races.

Let’s look at the second downwind leg in Race 10 on Sunday 15 September, won by ETNZ.

In Race 10 of the America's Cup Match, Emirates Team New Zealand rounded the right mark at Gate 3 about one second behind Oracle Team USA who rounded the left mark. This gave ETNZ starboard advantage on the first cross going downwind. In Race 10 of the America’s Cup Match, Emirates Team New Zealand rounded the right mark at Gate 3 about one second behind Oracle Team USA who rounded the left mark. This gave ETNZ starboard advantage on the first cross going downwind.

At the first cross, OTUSA on port ducked ETNZ on starboard. Could they have crossed closer and kept the race closer? What would you do on an AC72 with a closing speed of 76 knots towards the right of way boat? This cross shows the extreme nature of AC72's in the America's Cup Match, At the first cross, OTUSA on port ducked ETNZ on starboard. Could they have crossed closer and kept the race closer? What would you do on an AC72 with a closing speed of 76 knots towards the right of way boat? This cross shows the extreme nature of AC72’s in the America’s Cup Match,

Blasting along the second downwind leg of Race 10 of the America's Cup Match, both AC72's were able to sail deep angles on starboard tack. Blasting along the second downwind leg of Race 10 of the America’s Cup Match, both AC72’s were able to sail deep angles on starboard tack.

ETNZ gybed onto port and crossed OTUSA easily, leading by about 200 meters. At this moment, there was nothing OTUSA could do to get back into the race. ETNZ gybed onto port and crossed OTUSA easily, leading by about 200 meters. At this moment, there was nothing OTUSA could do to get back into the race.

ETNZ gybed onto starboard at the layline for the last mark before the dash to the finish line. OTUSA needs one more gybe in this image.  With this win, ETNZ reclaimed the momentum i the 34th America's Cup Match. ETNZ gybed onto starboard at the layline for the last mark before the dash to the finish line. OTUSA needs one more gybe in this image.  With this win, ETNZ reclaimed the momentum i the 34th America’s Cup Match.

Use the Cup Experience LiveLine Race Viewer to view and analyze the races.

 

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