MORNING BRIEFING DAY 7
Every America’s Cup Match is special, but from this day forwards everyone is unmissable. After winning the only race of the day yesterday, Emirates Team New Zealand is on match point: 6:3 just one Race away from being able to lift the oldest trophy in international sport above their heads.
If they are to do so today it will be the fourth time that the country has achieved this feat. It will be a spectacular achievement if Emirates Team New Zealand and the yacht club they represent, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, do it. Another confirmation that – in sailing – this Southern hemisphere country of 5 million people punches way above its weight. Another victory to add to their three previous successes from a total of nine attempts.
Winning the Cup for Italy would be huge too. The country has attempted seven previous challenges and has now been the Challenger in the America's Cup three times. Yet, has never won the prestigious trophy. Luna Rossa’s principal Patrizio Bertelli has triggered a campaign for the America's Cup six times, more times than Sir Thomas Lipton. Keeping the dream alive is a very big deal – winning the Cup would be a spectacular achievement. And to take that step towards sailing’s ultimate trophy means winning both of today’s races.
The talent and experience within Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli goes unquestioned, but as the team faces a critical day it is hardly surprising that the focus has moved to a key player within the team. One, who has built his reputation on never giving up. Jimmy Spithill’s nickname ‘Pitbull’ was given for good reason and his team along with his opponents know why.
With so much at stake today’s weather carries even more importance. The current forecast shows a breeze from the east northeast of 8-9 knots, once again conditions that bridge the performance profiles for each team.
“Today is a day when the sea breezes build on either side of the country,” said Iain Murray at his morning briefing. “We have set the course in Area A but brought it as far south as we can in order to try and make the best of the compression area for the wind in the Rangitoto Channel.”
With the Italians’ ability to defend and the speed of the Kiwis’ boat, today is a crucial day on which the Cup potentially could be won, or where the story continues to grow.
Welcome to the America’s Cup.