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Oracle Team USA lost Race 10 of the America’s Cup Match after dropping off their foils and splashing down on Leg 1. The speed loss allowed Emirates Team New Zealand to establish an overlap and the right to round Mark 1 in the inside lane. Was the splashdown caused by the faster but less stable daggerboards OTUSA now uses?
Watch this excerpt from the ACTV video:
The AC72 catamarans are still being developed and improved, even as the competition proceeds. Emirates Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker said after Race 10 that if they were still sailing their boat the way it was at the start of the Louis Vuitton Cup in early July, they would lose every race in the America’s Cup Match.
Oracle Team USA has made their boat dramatically faster upwind during the first week of the America’s Cup. They have removed the long bowsprit for the gennaker and the supporting kingpost and stay from the underside of the boat. They have also moved to different daggerboards, with the winglets set at an obtuse angle to the main board. These boards are faster but less stable. The boat is clearly faster upwind, but they did drop down off the foils in the first leg of Race 10, losing speed and allowing ETNZ to establish a critical overlap.
The latest America’s Cup report from NBC’s man on the water, Gary Jobson
A New Sport Emerges
By Gary Jobson, 15 September 2013
When I arrived off the water this afternoon following two thrilling America’s Cup races my co-commentator, Ken Read, said, “Sailing will never be the same.” The vision Larry Ellison and Russell Coutts had about high speed catamarans racing up and down San Francisco Bay is now a reality. Sure it got off to a slow start in July, but today was some of the most exciting racing I have witnessed as a competitor or spectator. We may never see a spectacle like this again, but right now the 34th America’s Cup defense is proving to be sports theater at its best.
The day started with the westerly breeze blowing in at 20 knots with a swift current ebbing at 2.2 knots. There was a steep chop. At the start of Race 9, Oracle Team USA, led by Australian skipper, James Spithill clobbered Emirates Team New Zealand’s skipper, Dean Barker. The Kiwis were 3 lengths behind at the first turning mark. Downwind the boats appeared to be even in speed. At the leeward gate the boats split to opposite sides of the course. OTUSA’s super star tactician, Ben Ainslie, found the best current and wind to stretch their lead. At one point ETNZ was foiling upwind at 32 knots. They were able to do this by sailing a slightly lower course. But they gave away too much windward distance to gain any ground on the American team. The wind behaved and stayed just below the 20.8 knot wind limit. When Spithill and crew crossed the finish line, team owner Larry Ellison raised both arms in triumph. I think he was just as happy for this team as he was that his vision of the America’s Cup was working.
Once again there were huge crowds on the San Francisco waterfront along with about 500 vessels of all sizes out on the bay. I call the race from the race committee boat, “Regardless,” while my colleagues, Todd Harris and Ken Read, work from shore. Today, I had the better seat. We are close to the action and you could see the subtle course changes and sailing techniques on these short 21-25 minute races. The courses are 10 miles long. As an aside, I think they should include two more legs and be 40 minutes in length.
In Race Two Spithill was slightly ahead and to windward at the start. Approaching the first turn OTUSA went off their foils for just one second allowing ETNZ to hold on to a slim overlap. Barker took a very wide turn forcing Spithill to wait to bear away on Leg Two. The move gave the Kiwis a four length lead. Downwind nothing changed. At the leeward gate the two boats split tacks again. Back on the wind the USA started gaining. They appeared to be a little faster. On the third cross Barker had to dip behind Spithill who was on starboard with the right of way. On the very next cross the boats changed leads again, when Spithill dipped below Barker. The race was riveting.
Approaching the windward gate, OTUSA was on starboard approaching the left gate. Barker slowed his boat down to cross behind Spithill, but rounded the right side gate. They were only one second apart. Ainslie called for OTUSA to sail down the city front, and New Zealand’s tactician, Ray Davies, elected to sail out in the bay. When the boats converged it looked even. The Kiwis were on starboard. Spithill slowed down to give way. New Zealand took the lead and held on to the finish. The boats split wins for the day, and the score now stands 7-1. ETNZ needs two more wins to claim the America’s Cup. OTUSA needs 8 more wins. It sounds daunting but Spithill sounds very determined to turn the tide. The American design and shore crew have found ways to lighten the boat, move some weight around and make several small modifications. The changes have helped the USA level the playing field. We have seen 10 starts now. By my score card Spithill and Barker have each won five.
With the boats so even, the premium on the start, good boat handling and clever tactics will likely be make the difference in the Cup. On television the boats look great, but in person they are even more impressive. The speed, size and power of these machines is inspiring. To paraphrase a Yogi Berra comment, ‘They are even better looking than they look.”
On the leader board the American team is deep. But I think they can still win. Monday is a scheduled lay day. OTUSA gets better every time they go into the shed for modifications. New Zealand needs to be careful not to stay in one place. They have the luxury of making some experimental changes and if they loose two races they can easily go back to an earlier measurement configuration. One thing we have learned is that Spithill, Ainslie and their team are getting better, and will continue to improve.
Tuesday the wind is forecast to be strong again. If we are able to race OTUSA will be fast. However, I wonder if they have given away some of their light air speed to gain in a strong breeze? The measurers allow new certificates every day. OTUSA can not afford to make any mistakes with their modifications or sailing. They can only afford to lose one more race. The Kiwis certainly like the score, but they are up against a very determined crew that looks like they are getting better every day. Just last week the American team lost ground on every tack. Now both boats are even when maneuvering.
Emirates Team New Zealand’s syndicate head, Grant Dalton, sailed both races today. He was off the boat during the team’s only two loses versus six wins when he was on board. He did get his first loss today, but I think his presence was helpful in getting ready for the second heat, which they won.
A picture of the legendary Sir Peter Blake is on the wall of the entry way at the New Zealand team base. Sir Peter won around the world races, and led the New Zealand America’s Cup team to victory in 1995 as a challenger, and in 2000 as a defender. Blake was killed by thieves in Brazil in 2001. Blake wore red socks as his good luck charm. In 1995 everyone in New Zealand was wearing red socks. Grant Dalton is one tough 56 year old, who has won round the world races, and came close to winning the America’s Cup in 2007. The Kiwis certainly gain inspiration from the memory of Peter Blake. Grant Dalton is working hard to honor his one time rival and friend. I doubt Dalton knows the story, but let’s just say the team wants to win one for the Gipper. As for the America’s Cup it’s hard to imagine what scenario could possibly top what we are watching? An American comeback maybe?
The sight of Emirates Team New Zealand teetering on its side was frightening. I bet the entire population of that small country held its collective breath. On the third leg of the 10 mile course in Race 8 of the America’s Cup the Kiwis lost control of their AC 72. During a routine tacking maneuver, about 3 boat lengths ahead of the American boat, the wing of NZL inverted. The boat dangerously heeled over at a 45 degree angle. The Kiwi helmsman, Dean Barker, skillfully kept the boat from capsizing. The hydraulic system that controls the wing did not have enough power to shift the wing to the other
side. The crew kept desperately grinding the winches to boost the hydraulic’s power. It was close. I was watching just 6 boat lengths away aboard the race committee boat. All of us on board were stunned. Just as it looked like the boat was going to crash, the wing shifted, and the boat settled back down on both its hulls. In the process they fouled the USA. But, that was least their problems. OTUSA sailed away for an easy win. Had the boat capsized it would have been a complete disaster for the Kiwi team. Happily no one was hurt and they survived.
With this victory Oracle Team USA’s score improves to zero after erasing a two point deficit that the International Jury accessed for their unauthorized modifications to their AC 45s last year in the America’s Cup World Series. One thing we learned today is that, this America’s Cup is far from over. OTUSA skipper James Spithill says his team is hungry and motivated to successfully defend. The American team needs to win 9 more races, while New Zealand needs to
win 3.
Oracle Team USA is getting better and the races are thrilling. We have now seen more passing in this Cup then any other America’s Cup dating back to the first defense in 1870. The races have lasted anywhere from 22 to 32 minutes. Based on the score card in the first 8 heats there are going to be more passes.
A lay day on Friday was a huge benefit for the American squad. The sailors and the designers made a number of small changes to the boat that added up to a big improvement in speed. To my eye they might have lost a little downwind speed, but more than made up for it with very impressive speed to windward. It makes me wonder if the Kiwis were a little rattled when they no longer had a windward speed advantage like we saw in the two races last
Thursday.
The breeze today was strong ranging from 17 to 21 knots in the first race. The Ebb current pushed against the SW wind to create a nasty chop. In the past 7 races the Kiwis always seemed to gain while tacking, but not
today. The only noticeable difference aboard ETNZ was that their CEO, Grant Dalton, was not on board. He has been off the boat for their only two losses, and on board for their six wins. I have a gut feeling Grant will be back on board for
Sunday’s two races.
Four time Olympic champion, Ben Ainslie, was back as tactician on OTUSA. He made the correct tactical calls
throughout the race. It does not look like the American tactician, John Kostecki, will be back on the crew. Ainslie and strategist Tom Slingsby have a constant dialog going. Keep in mind that both Slingsby and Ainslie have won Olympic Gold medals in singlehanded dinghy classes. I think they are enjoying the interplay. As tactician, Ainslie always makes the final call, although a tactician can always be overruled by the skipper. Spithill seems comfortable with the new line up.
The intellectual battle between Ainslie and NZL tactician, Ray Davies will be epic. If the speeds are as even as they now appear to be, the America’s Cup could be decided on tactics.
The scene in San Francisco around the waterfront is vibrant. The crowds in the America’s Cup village, and on the water are big. OTUSA’s leaders Larry Ellison and Russell Coutts had a bold vision. The event got off to a slow start, but clearly it is going well now. The best part is, that no one can really say with any certainty, who is going to win. Sure, NZL is up on points, but the old adage that the team is going to take it one race at a time is Spithill’s mantra. His crew believes they can do it. New Zealand can not afford to make any more mistakes.
Dean Barker did win the first start, and easily won the second start of the late afternoon race. NZL held a 3 boat length lead on Leg 3 of the second race, but the race committee abandoned the race when the wind went over the 22.6 knot limit for five consecutive minutes. The comeback certainly gives the Kiwis some confidence going forward. Tomorrow the wind is forecast to be a little lighter. The ebb current will also be less. NZL seems to be most competitive relative to OTUSA when the wind is 15-19 knots. At a post race press conference Spithill says they have some more changes to make. Two races are scheduled for Sunday, while Monday is a scheduled lay day. The racing will continue on Tuesday. Both teams can take some positive thoughts forward. If NZL can recover and win two races tomorrow they will be well on their way to reclaiming the Cup. If the USA wins two races this series will be wide open.
Our coverage begins on the NBC Sports Network with a pre-race show at 3:30 pm Eastern time (12:30 PT). The first race is scheduled to start at 4:15 ET, (1:15 PT).
Emirates Team New Zealand nearly capsized in Race 8 of the America’s Cup on Saturday 14 September. A tacking duel between ETNZ and Oracle Team USA produced the most dramatic moment of the America’s Cup. ETNZ, on port tack, tried to tack in front of OTUSA but did not have enough hydraulic pressure to change the camber in their wing from port to starboard. OTUSA, with right of way, needed to make a quick maneuver to avoid the Kiwi boat, resulting in a penalty on the Kiwis. OTUSA took over the lead and extended to take the win by 52 seconds – over 1,000 meters.
The LiveLine data showed they came to 44.8° of heel. When asked in the press conference how much they had heeled over, skipper Dean Barker said he did not know, but that it was within half a degree of the point of no return.
Video: ACTV
Gary Jobson’s America’s Cup Report
Image: ACTV LiveLine
“For the first time in my sailing career I saw the perfect start. I mean PERFECT. In Race 7 of the 34th America’s Cup defense New Zealand’s skipper Dean Barker approached the starting line to windward and ahead of Oracle Team USA’s Australian skipper, James Spithill. In seven previous races Barker has won two starts, and Spithill has taken the other five. The Kiwis have been dominant throughout the series, except for the starts. After Race 6 I asked Barker what he was going to do to improve. Through gritted teeth he simply said he needed to do better. And boy did he deliver.
When the gun fired Emirates Team New Zealand was exactly on the line. The screen grab showed they were just two inches behind the line. In contrast Spithill was late to accelerate and quickly fell behind. OTUSA’s owner Larry Ellison was in a tender alongside the race committee boat where I call the action for the NBC Sports Network, along with Todd Harris and Kenny Read. Ellison put his head down when he saw his team lose the start. He must have realized at that moment that the America’s Cup was slipping from his grasp.“
– Gary Jobson
Emirates Team New Zealand was right on the line going 38.7 knots as the gun went off. Oracle Team USA crossed the line 1.2 seconds later and 4.6 knots slower.
You can replay the race here, and see all the pre-start maneuvers in the video:
Gary Jobson summed up Race 5 perfectly: “total confusion” on board Oracle Team USA’s AC72 catamaran. Let’s look at the race to see what happened to allow Emirates Team New Zealand to grab the lead and run away to win. There is a link to the race replay video in one of the photos below.
Images: ACTV
America’s Cup Race 5: ETNZ has made up most of the distance they were behind. Both boats sailing in the “cone” east of Alcatraz, out of the adverse flood tide.
Emirates Team New Zealand won the first three races of the 2013 America’s Cup Match. Oracle Team USA won the fourth, erasing one of their two penalty points, bringing the score to 3 to -1. The first to reach 9 points wins the America’s Cup.
The boats are about equal in speed, so racing has been surprisingly close, with lead changes in three out of the four races. OTUSA skipper Jimmy Spithill has been very aggressive, engaging ETNZ’s Dean Barker whenever the boats have been close. Spithill managed to give Barker a penalty at the first mark in Race 3. For the most part crew work, especially on the the upwind legs, has determined the outcome.
Course: 5 Legs/9.94 nautical miles
Elapsed Time: ETNZ – 25:00, OTUSA – 25:28
Delta: ETNZ +:28
Total distance sailed: ETNZ – 11.8 NM, OTUSA – 12.1 NM
Average Speed: ETNZ – 28.57 knots (33 mph), OTUSA – 28.62 knots (33 mph)
Top Speed: ETNZ – 42.25 knots (49 mph), OTUSA – 41.37 knots (48 mph)
Windspeed: Average – 16.8 knots, Peak – 19.3 knots
Course: 5 Legs/9.94 nautical miles
Elapsed Time: OTUSA – 22:42, ETNZ – 22:50
Delta: OTUSA +:08
Total distance sailed: OTUSA – 11.7 NM, ETNZ – 11.7 NM
Average Speed: OTUSA – 30.99 knots (36 mph), ETNZ – 30.92 knots (36 mph)
Top Speed: OTUSA – 45.97 knots (53 mph), ETNZ – 44.98 knots (52 mph)
Windspeed: Average – 19.5 knots, Peak – 23.3 knots
All times Pacific Time
Tuesday, Sept. 10: Race 5 13:15, Race 6 14:15
Thursday, Sept. 12: Race 7 13:15, Race 8 14:15
Saturday, Sept. 14: Race 9 13:15, Race 10 14:15
Sunday, Sept. 15: Race 11* 13:15, Race 12* 14:15
(*If necessary)
Emirates Team New Zealand dominated Luna Rossa to win Louis Vuitton Cup 7-1
Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) closed out the Louis Vuitton Cup on Sunday 25 August with another convincing win over Luna Rossa. They will now face Oracle Team USA in the America’s Cup Match beginning 7 September. Two races per day are planned with the first to win nine races taking the prize.
This is the third time New Zealand has won the Louis Vuitton Cup – they won in San Diego in 1995 with Artemis Racing’s Craig Monk in their crew, and in Valencia in 2007. In 1995 Team New Zealand went on win the America’s Cup, defeating Dennis Connor’s San Diego Yacht Club defender, “Stars and Stripes,” 5-0. In 2007 ETNZ lost to Swiss defender “Alinghi” in the America’s Cup Match 2-5.
Luna Rossa has managed only 1 point that came when Emirates Team New Zealand broke down. ETNZ has led at the first mark in every race. They have higher top speed, better angles upwind and down and they set the standard for crew work. Barring a massive calamity, there is no question that ETNZ will face Oracle Team USA in the America’s Cup Match.
There is a big question of who will win the America’s Cup.
The latest rumor says that Luna Rossa will make modifications to their boat to make it faster and continue to be a sparring partner for ETNZ. The modifications would not be legal for racing, but nothing prohibits them for training sessions. Clearly Luna Rossa will want to help ETNZ beat Oracle Team USA in the America’s Cup Match. Team owner Patrizio Bertelli has been very critical of the way OTUSA has run this America’s Cup.
Emirates Team New Zealand leads LVC Final 2-1
There is no second in the Louis Vuitton Cup. Luna Rossa had a daggerboard problem in Saturday’s race 1. ETNZ dropped out of race 2 when the control system for their hydraulics failed on Sunday. Luna Rossa pulled out of race 3 on Monday with a wing control problem.
The plan for two races per day has been blown off course by San Francisco’s reliable sea breeze, which builds through the afternoon. The wind limit for August is 21 knots, adjusted up or down by the speed of the flood or ebb tide.
Luna Rossa’s daggerboard lift system broke just before the start of Race 1. They made a repair and started but it broke again at the first mark.
ETNZ buried their bows at the windward gate and lost two men overboard, but they finished race 1 to take a 1-0 lead.
On Sunday it was ETNZ’s turn to lose a race because of mechanical problems when their hydraulic system failed during race 2. Luna Rossa scored the win to even the series 1-1.
Monday’s race 3 went to ETNZ as Luna Rossa damaged their wing control system and could not finish. A sheave – the wheel in a pulley – broke in the controls at the bottom of the wing.
Races 4 and 5 are planned for Wednesday. Race 6 is now scheduled on Friday, a reserve day. Racing will continue until one team has scored seven points. For the full schedule, see the updated calendar in the AC Guide.
ETNZ buries both bows during bearaway. Image: ACTV
Emirates Team New Zealand put half their boat under water and had two crew washed overboard during a bearaway at the windward mark. Both men, grinders Rob Waddell and Chris Ward, were recovered unhurt. Luna Rossa had dropped out of the race with a broken daggerboard lifting system. ETNZ finished the race with nine crew and picked up the first point of the Louis Vuitton Cup final.
The second race of the day was postponed because the upper wind limit was exceeded.
The first team to win seven races wins the Louis Vuitton Cup and races Oracle Team USA in the America’s Cup Match beginning Saturday 7 September.
Artemis has now sailed their foiling AC72 six days. They expect two more training days before racing for the first time, against Luna Rossa in the Louis Vuitton Cup semi-final on 6 August. Luna Rossa has almost 80 days in their AC72 including four races.
Artemis trained on the race course and was happy to keep the AC72 inside the course limits going downwind. They are happy with their straightline speed downwind but recognize that they are far behind their competitors in mastering maneuvers. They have self-imposed wind limits – currently 18 knots. They hope to be comfortable with the regatta limit of 21 knots by Tuesday’s race.
Video interview of Nathan Outteridge after 5 days on AC72: good progress, but still a lot to learn to be competitive with Luna Rossa. Artemis lined up their AC72 against America’s Cup defender Oracle Team USA, and were pleased with the results.
Louis Vuitton Cup semi-final begins Tuesday 6 August.
Luna Rossa lost all four races against Emirates Team New Zealand, by margins of up to 7 minutes. Their best performance was to lose by 2 minutes 19 seconds in a race where ETNZ had an equipment failure. But with far more time on the water than Artemis, Luna Rossa should be the clear favorite to beat Artemis in the semi-final.
Artemis Racing has had only three days in their new AC72 and is the clear underdog. They have the talent and the will to be strong competitors against Luna Rossa in the semi-final, but do they have the time to master the new boat before it’s time to race?
As winner of the round robin phase, Emirates Team New Zealand has chosen to go straight to the Louis Vuitton Cup Final.
Luna Rossa will race Artemis in the semi-final, a best of seven series, with one race per day beginning August 6. The winner sails against Emirates Team New Zealand in the Louis Vuitton Cup final.
The Louis Vuitton Cup Final is best of 13 (first to win seven races), with two races each race day, beginning August 17.
The winner of the Louis Vuitton Cup will face Oracle Team USA in the America’s Cup Match., which begins on September 7 and has two races per day. The first team to win nine races wins the America’s Cup.
See the Louis Vuitton Cup and America’s Cup race calendar here.
Sunday 28 July 2013 – Emirates Team New Zealand once again dominated Luna Rossa, this time winning by 3 minutes 20 seconds. ETNZ has won all four of their round robin races against Luna Rossa and has won the round robin phase of the Louis Vuitton Cup.
Today’s performance data
Notice that ETNZ sailed almost a mile and a half less distance at an average speed almost three fourths of a knot faster.
Emirates Team New Zealand clinched the round robin series Tuesday 23 July, with a race to spare. They will announce their choice for the semi-final on Sunday 28 July, after their last round robin race with Luna Rossa.
ETNZ has three choices:
They are almost certain to advance to the America’s Cup Match against Oracle Team USA in September. They will choose whatever will give them the best chance for success in the America’s Cup Match. If they want to make modifications to their boat and test them, they might choose option 1. That would give them until August 17 – the first race of the Louis Vuitton Cup final.
If they want more race practice and more exposure for their sponsors, ETNZ will sail in the semi-final, against… who?
That depends on how strong they think Artemis is. On paper, Artemis should have no chance against ETNZ. Artemis had their first day on a foiling AC72 on Wednesday, July 24. ETNZ has been perfecting foiling for almost a year. But… what if the Artemis boat is fast? What if Artemis races Luna Rossa in the semi-final and wins? That would give Artemis confidence and valuable race experience. It could make them a tougher competitor.
So it might make sense for ETNZ to sail the semi-final against Artemis. They have dominated Luna Rossa, so why not eliminate Artemis before Artemis can get strong, and then finish off Luna Rossa in the Louis Vuitton Cup final?
Let’s see what ETNZ announces on Sunday! What do you think they should do? Why?
Emirates Team New Zealand sailed over the America’s Cup race course alone twice. On Sunday 7July Luna Rossa boycotted the race because of their “ruddergate” protest. Artemis Racing’s AC72 is not ready and did not race on Tuesday 9 July.
Emirates Team New Zealand put on a stunning display of hydrofoiling speed and precision crew work. Their AC72 catamaran sped over the full America’s Cup course on San Francisco Bay, with a top speed over 42 knots. The flood tide going with the wind meant the water was smooth. Windspeed in the mid teens was ideal.
2012-13 America’s Cup World Series Match Racing Championship
1. Oracle Team USA Spithill – 19 points
2. Emirates Team New Zealand – 16
3. Artemis Racing – White – 16
4. Oracle Team USA Coutts – 16
5. Energy Team – 11
6. Artemis Racing – Red – 8
7. J.P. Morgan BAR – 7
8. Luna Rossa Piranha – 6
9. Team Korea – 5
10. Luna Rossa Swordfish – 5
11. China Team – 3
2012-13 America’s Cup World Series Season Championship
Team (Skipper) SF1-SF2 – Total
1. Oracle Team USA Spithill (Jimmy Spithill) 86-79 – 165 points
2. Luna Rossa Piranha (Chris Draper) 85-36 – 121
3. Artemis Racing – White (Terry Hutchinson) 48-72 – 120
4. J.P. Morgan BAR (Ben Ainslie) 37-79 – 116
5. Team Korea (Peter Burling) 65-40 – 105
6. Energy Team (Loïck Peyron) 55-47 – 102
7. Emirates Team New Zealand (Dean Barker) 43-57 – 100
8. Oracle Team USA Coutts (Russell Coutts) 42-56 – 98
9. Artemis Racing – Red (Nathan Outteridge) 38-52 – 90
10. Luna Rossa Swordfish (Iker Martinez) 51-20 – 71
11. China Team (Phil Robertson) 15-28 – 43
(Scoring is based on points accumulated at event fleet racing championships.)