Oct 07, 2024
On a crucial day for the 2024 America's Cup held in Barcelona, the British team INEOS Britannia defeated Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli with a solid 7-4 in the final series of the Louis Vuitton Cup, thus securing their ticket to face Emirates Team New Zealand in the America's Cup final. This is a historic moment for the team led by Ben Ainslie, who now has the chance to bring the America's Cup to the United Kingdom for the first time.
The race on October 4 was an intense battle, where technical details and the experience of the teams played a fundamental role. INEOS Britannia showed impressive dominance in the starts, managing to get ahead in several stages thanks to their better control of the foil and more efficient sailing in the wind conditions offered by the Mediterranean that day.
The key to the British team’s success was their ability to handle the light winds that prevailed in the bay of Barcelona, with gusts barely reaching 10 knots. The stability of the AC75 boat of INEOS and the coordinated work between the trimmers and grinders allowed them to maintain a constant speed, which complicated Luna Rossa's strategy.
In comparison, the Italian team struggled with maneuvers and keeping pace during the upwind legs, where INEOS took advantage of each tack to gain distance. Although Luna Rossa’s boat was well-configured for medium winds, it couldn’t capitalize on the gusts, allowing INEOS Britannia to better manage the race and take the lead.
After the race, INEOS Britannia captain Ben Ainslie did not hide his satisfaction:
"It’s been a very tough series. Luna Rossa is an extremely strong team, and we knew it was going to be difficult. Teamwork has been key. The crew has been impeccable in every maneuver, and that gave us the edge we needed to take this victory. Now, we have our eyes on New Zealand, but also on improving certain technical aspects that we can still fine-tune for the final," Ainslie commented.
Meanwhile, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli skipper Francesco Bruni acknowledged the superiority of the British in this final race:
"INEOS sailed better today. We made some mistakes at the start, and that cost us the race. We leave with our heads held high, but we obviously wanted to be in the final. We’ll come back stronger," Bruni said in the post-race press conference.
With this victory, INEOS Britannia will face Emirates Team New Zealand, the current title defenders. This showdown promises to be one of the most exciting in recent America's Cup history, with two teams in top form and very different strategic approaches.
Emirates Team New Zealand, with vast experience in AC75 racing, has demonstrated absolute mastery in handling the boat under variable wind conditions. However, INEOS Britannia has been fine-tuning their performance throughout the Louis Vuitton Cup, adjusting their setup and showing great improvement in their speed and maneuvers.
The British team has opted for a more stable technical setup, adjusting their foil design to offer less resistance in light wind conditions. This approach was key to their success against Luna Rossa, especially during the upwind legs, where their AC75 maintained optimal speed throughout.
Efficient use of onboard technology has also played a crucial role. The team has implemented advanced real-time data monitoring systems, allowing them to adjust their strategy on the fly. Every tack and gybe was calculated to the millimeter, with flawless technical execution, leaving little room for the Italians to react.
With the final just around the corner, all attention is focused on this exciting duel between INEOS Britannia and Emirates Team New Zealand. Both teams have proven to be the most competitive in the 37th America's Cup, and a close contest is expected, where every maneuver could be decisive.
The British team faces the challenge of competing against one of the most experienced teams in recent America's Cup history. However, with the confidence gained from defeating Luna Rossa and the technical focus they have demonstrated, INEOS Britannia seems more prepared than ever to fight for the most prestigious trophy in the world of sailing.