In the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Challenger Playoffs Semi-Finals, though they had capsized on Day 3, the Kiwis’ prevailed Day 4, taking the win in their last race against Land Rover BAR.  Great Britain is out. Artemis is in the lead with 4 points to SoftBank’s 3 points. All Artemis needs to do is win one race to win the Semi-Finals and move onto the Finals against New Zealand.

Photo/Giles Martin-Raget

Prior to today’s races, Artemis’ Nathan Outteridge commented about the 25 knot winds, “Our boat is better in lighter winds.”  And Dean Barker said the SoftBank team “…needs to keep pushing to sail the boat fast around the course.” Lucky for Artemis the winds diminished to 19 knots. Going out to the start, Team Japan collided with something – a rock, a buoy – we never knew what.  Commentators were wondering how that upset affected the boat, not to mention the team.

In what ended up being the final Semi-Final race today, June 9, Artemis and Team Japan hit the start with Japan slightly ahead of Artemis, up on their foils first and shooting straight ahead at 45 knots. They got the start they wanted. Both boats’ speeds were really good; they were only 16 meters apart. It was like a big drag race out there. At one point at the edge of the race course, Artemis tacked and Japan had to stay clear. Japan delayed their tack and almost collided with Artemis, who called for a penalty. None was levied.  But this was not good for Japan, as Artemis took the lead before Gate 3 and held onto it past Gate 6 to the FINISH.  It was over for Japan and helmsman Dean Barker. But for helmsman Outteridge  –  the team was stoked. “That was a tough race and to come back the boys really had to dig in. We’re really happy to take it to the next round and we’re going to be ready to go tomorrow.” The Swedes go onto the Finals against the Kiwis.

Photo/Ricardo Pinto

Sat., June 10, helmsman Nathan Outteridge and Artemis Racing will face helmsman Peter Burling and Emirates Team New Zealand in the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Challenger Playoffs Finals,  beginning at 14:08 local time in Bermuda and 10am here on the NBCSN app. The winds are predicted to be lighter maybe going from 15 knots down to 5. Will Outteridge prevail?

The winner of the Finals advances to the America’s Cup Match against ORACLE TEAM USA.

It is exhilarating to watch these fantastic sailing teams amidst near collisions, penalties at the start, broken wing sails and even capsizing. Catch the energy and watch the capsize. Stay tuned tomorrow.

Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Playoffs Semi-Finals, Day 3 – Emirates Team New Zealand Capsize Photo/Ricardo Pinto