Despite rain clouds coming off the mountains to the north of Barcelona, the first race of the second Round Robin was lively with Alinghi Red Bull Racing racing Orient Express Racing Team. The Swiss, winless from Round Robin 1, dominated from the start, building a massive lead and never looked back, taking their first win of the Challenger Selection Series. Good for them as one team on Sunday will be eliminated from the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup. Now, the Swiss are tied with the French, 1-1.

Maxime Bachelin, port helmsman of Alinghi Red Bull Racing came ashore, praising his team saying: “It’s a great way for us to start for the week. I think we did it quite well, we like these shifty conditions and heavy wind, so I think we did what we really wanted to do. We were quite down last week after the results, now it’s a good reset and we’re very happy with the performance of the team on the boat-handling and, as well, the speed looks way better than what it was in the past, so we are very happy.”

Luna Rossa faced Emirates Team New Zealand in the second race of the day amidst thunderbolts and rain and shifting winds. Luna Rossa reached the starting line first and had the advantage until lightning struck the water and the Race Committee called the race in Luna Rossa’s favor and ended racing for the day due to the inclement weather. Tomorrow’s another day.

Standings as of Day 1, the second phase of the Round Robin:

Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli 4 – Ineos Britannia 3 – NYYC American Magic 2 – Orient Express Racing Team 1 – Alinghi Red Bull Racing 1

Stay tuned! Racing the second phase of the Round Robin continues on Wednesday, Sept 4.

 

September 03, 2024. Race Day 5 of the Louis Vuitton Cup. EMIRATES TEAM NEW ZEALAND, LUNA ROSSA PRADA PIRELLI TEAM

August 24, 2024. Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta, Race Day 3. NYYC AMERICAN MAGIC