New Zealand Takes Commanding Lead in America’s Cup Defence
The Kiwi crew has taken a significant step towards defending their America’s Cup title, securing a 4-0 lead over Britain’s Britannia. Monday’s thrilling race saw the two teams engage in a nail-biting early tacking duel and close passes downwind before New Zealand’s Taihoro gained control.
A Performance Gap Emerges
Ben Ainslie’s British team, still reeling from an umpire’s decision that went against them on Sunday, protested against the New Zealanders during a series of intense crosses as the boats sped downwind. However, the Kiwi crew managed to squeeze more performance out of their AC75 monohull, piling pressure on the British team.
Ainslie Remains Optimistic
“We’re going to keep pushing and try to narrow the performance gap,” Ainslie said in a post-race interview. “We can still come back from this.” With a reserve day on Tuesday, the British crew will have a chance to regroup and work on closing the gap.
Disappointment and Determination
Ainslie’s co-helm Dylan Fletcher expressed disappointment over the umpires’ decision on Sunday but vowed to “take a good look” and find ways to eke out the gains needed to win. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s skipper Peter Burling was thrilled with the win, saying it felt more like a “boat race” than the previous day’s near-crash.
Performance Improvements Pay Off
New Zealand’s co-helm Nathan Outteridge attributed their success to improvements in the boat’s performance. “We’ve made a step forward with the foiling AC75, which is manoeuvring cleanly and at speed,” he said. As the series continues, the Kiwi crew will look to maintain their momentum and defend their title.
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