America’s Cup 2021: Team NZ v Luna Rossa – Kiwis one win away from lifting Auld Mug

THE LAST AMERICAN CUP
* How the world media reacted: Team NZ ‘masterful’ as Luna Rossa faces the ‘impossible’
* Phil Robertson: This is not San Francisco, Luna Rossa is maxed out
* How Peter Burling’s Local Knowledge Was Fundamental
* How Luna Rossa plans to fight

Jimmy Spithill summed it up in two words: “Sorry guys.” Peter Burling described it as “a lot of fun”.

Two of the world’s best sailors meet for the tenth, and possibly last, time at this America’s Cup today, with Burling’s New Zealand team just one win away from retaining the Auld Mug.

And it’s likely a double whammy for the Italians – they are set to be replaced as the Challenger of Record, with the UK’s Royal Yacht Squadron (and by extension Ben Ainslie and Ineos Team UK) set to take responsibility for the next America’s Cup.

Spithill apologized to his team after he opened the door for the New Zealand team to pass Luna Rossa in race nine yesterday, giving the Kiwis a 6-3 lead in the best-of-13 series.

The New Zealand team is hoping to open the champagne today after the weather wiped out hopes of a second race, and possible celebrations, yesterday.

The changing conditions in Auckland meant that the start of the first race of the day was delayed and the second race was canceled.

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Race ninth was close, with the Italians holding a slight lead and leading on the penultimate stage until Spithill was unable to cover the New Zealand team. The Kiwis, aided by Burling’s local knowledge of the changing wind conditions of the Hauraki Gulf, were able to pass and close the race.

“It was a pretty close race overall and a shift to the right on the last beat really decided that for us,” Burling said.

“It was a lot of fun racing. It was great to be back here on Course C and have a great battle with a really good team, but it was also great to come back with another win.”

It was a devastating way for things to unfold for Luna Rossa, who had run a perfect race to stage five and, after crossing the finish line, co-helmsman Jimmy Spithill addressed his team with a simple “lo sorry guys. “

AUT sailing teacher Mark Orams said it was good luck and good management on the part of the Kiwis.

“That was one of the best America’s Cup races I have ever seen,” Orams said. “Two great teams just fighting, with everything they had, some great defensive moves from the Italians, but in the end they were defeated by the relentless onslaught of the Kiwis. They finally overcame them.”

Kiwi Olympic sailing medalist Jan Shearer said: “Luna Rossa will be a little scared by the speed of the New Zealand team. Prada held out, which is quite impressive.”

The changing weather conditions prior to Race 10 yesterday saw races abandoned for the day, with teams ready to return to the water today. The races are scheduled to begin today at 4.15pm.

Today’s conditions are expected to be ideal for racing, and American Magic skipper Dean Barker said there could be “epic sailing” today.

In the meantime, the UK’s Royal Yacht Squadron could be confirmed as the next Challenger of Record (COR) tonight, if the New Zealand team successfully retains the Cup.

With the match score at 6-3, the Defender needs one more win to retain the Auld Cup.

If that happens today, the Herald understands that the UK’s Royal Yacht Squadron will be sealed as the COR of the 37th America’s Cup.

Royal Yacht Squadron Commodore James Sheldon is currently in Auckland, with his associates, awaiting in the event of a New Zealand victory.

The process for agreeing terms with the next COR is remarkably fast, as the deed of donation allows any other yacht club to submit a challenge, which must be accepted if deemed “legitimate”, and it will be no different on this. case.

It is understood that if the New Zealand team wins today, Sheldon and the Royal NZ Yacht Squadron Commodore will meet in an undisclosed room to sign the relevant documents.

It would mean that Ben Ainslie’s Ineos Team UK would be in line to represent COR at the next Cup.

There has been speculation on the docks for months about the likelihood of the British becoming representatives of the Challengers.

Ineos Team UK has consistently denied the rumors, although Ainslie admitted that he has a close relationship with Team NZ CEO Grant Dalton since joining the New Zealand union for the 2007 America’s Cup.

The British are also the logical partners for the next Cup, as the partnership between the New Zealand team and current COR Luna Rossa has steadily deteriorated over the last year.

Although their combined efforts produced a successful design class and innovative ship with the AC75s, it is impossible to imagine them working together for the next Cup, given the public and private clashes between the two unions.

The New York Yacht Club is also not a realistic option. This is partly because they have previously advocated going back to traditional monohulls (without foiling) for the Cup and also because American Magic sponsors have yet to decide whether to launch another challenge.

Are you going to compete in the Cup?

• Take plenty of time and consider taking a ferry, train or bus to see the Cup.

• Make sure your AT HOP card is in your pocket. It is the best way to ride.

• Don’t forget to scan QR codes with the NZ COVID Tracer app when you are on public transportation and enter America’s Cup Village.

• For more ways to enjoy race day, visit at.govt.nz/americascup.