If proof were required as to just how closely matched the two teams in the Louis Vuitton Cup Final are, today in stunning and breezy Barcelona conditions, INEOS Britannia and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli went toe-to-toe throughout the day’s two races and at the end shared a race win apiece.

With a solid south-westerly ‘Garbi’ breeze that topped the upper wind limit of 21 knots more than once, it was survival sailing at times with the sailors opting for double-board round-ups at the leeward gates and minimizing maneuvers throughout the eight-leg races. With speeds in excess of 52 knots on the bear-aways at the windward mark this was top-class match-racing from two of the world’s finest America’s Cup teams. (America’s Cup Media)

We’ll see what Day 2 of the Louis Vuitton Finals brings. And what the weather has in store for Luna Rossa and INEOS Britannia. Stay tuned.

Challenger Standings

What’s next:

 The Final for the Louis Vuitton Cup runs Sept 26-Oct 7. The winner of the Louis Vuitton Cup is the first team to score five points  and will then face Emirates Team New Zealand in the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup. Racing starts at 2.00 pm (14:00 CEST) on race days

Featured photo/Ian Roman, America’s Cup

Photos/American Magic