35th America's Cup Match | San Francisco on the Bay

Hoping for ORACLE TEAM USA’s Comeback Sat., June 24

Photo/Ricardo Pinto
ACEA 2017

In Race 1, day two of the 35th America’s Cup match, both teams had a good start. It was looking hopeful for ORACLE until the gybe where they lost time and New Zealand foiled ahead. In Race 2 ORACLE could have been more aggressive at the start to gain the advantage. There was the opportunity, but they did not take it. So it was another race where we watched the Kiwis cross the finish line first. Throughout both of these races, New Zealand was just faster. Their team seemed to really work like a well-oiled machine.

Photo/Gilles Martin-Raget ACEA 2017

“They obviously have speed,” commented ORACLE TEAM USA helmsman Jimmy Spithill at a press conference this afternoon. “They have a very strong team. Having said that, we have a strong group as well.” He said they are going to look at everything over the next five days. “Nothing will escape our eyes.”

But the pedal grinders still may be the ticket. As well as the choice of boards. Once you choose your dagger board, betting on your meteorologist’s predictions, you are stuck. And the winds can shift.

ORACLE sailed very well in the windy San Francisco Bay. But, Bermuda’s light wind situation is a different game for them. They will be out on the water all week training for next weekend’s races, practicing their starts, tacks and gybes. We have seen them come back from behind in 2013 and hope to see it again on June 24. (NBC 10am)

“We have a lot of depth in our team,” continued Jimmy. “It isn’t our first time here! And we have to remember we won the America’s Cup Qualifiers. They’ve got speed…but this isn’t our first rodeo.” He said his whole team operates better under pressure. “When you push against one of the best teams in the world, it’s probably the best way to develop. I think these next five days will be the most important days of the campaign.”

Current score: New Zealand: 3 points and USA 0 points. First team to 7 points takes The Cup home.

Here are the results from Opening Day of the 35th America’s Cup, where the Kiwis took the lead.

Full coverage of 2016-17 Louis Vuitton America’s Cup races & schedules.

Photo/ Gilles Martin-Raget I ACEA 2017 /

The Battle is On! Kiwis take on USA in the 35th America’s Cup Match Presented by Louis Vuitton

Is it a rematch of 2013 when the Kiwis were in the lead and ORACLE came from behind to win the 34th America’s Cup? Tomorrow, Sat., June 17, Emirates Team New Zealand and Defender ORACLE TEAM USA , hit the marine

New Zealand’s helmsman Peter Burling Photo/RIcardo Pinto

battlefield just as they did in 2013. But this time, New Zealand’s helmsman Peter Burling said in a press conference today, “We are a lot stronger team than in 2013. I’m sure it’s going to be one helluva battle out there on the water. That’s why we are here.”

During the Semi Finals and Finals the last few weeks, ORACLE has been sitting on the sideline. Are they now at a disadvantage since they weren’t racing? Jimmy Spithill, USA’s helmsman says not. “We’ve been watching and learning from these guys. There’s a reason these two teams are here. The teams are at a very high level.”

Peter wants to bring The Cup back home to New Zealand and says the fans are inspiring them to keep pushing forward. When asked what winning the America’s Cup meant to him, Jimmy said, “It’s a passion and somewhat of an obsession. It is something that is very very difficult to do, but really has one of those awards you cannot buy. There are no shortcuts.” ORACLE TEAM USA enter the Match with one point from their win of the America’s Cup Qualifiers.

Winds are predicted to be between 9 and 12 knots tomorrow. But all that can change. Both teams will meet with their Meteorologists and weather teams to decide which boards they will use. “We’re excited that there will be a breeze tomorrow,” comments Peter. Several days in the last few weeks the races were called off due to very little wind. “But,” continues Peter, “It’s all about who wins the last race, not the first one!”

Jimmy Spithill ORACLE TEAM USA helmsman Photo/RIcardo Pinto

Jimmy thanked the Bermudans for their hospitality since they arrived and all the USA fans. He felt they had an advantage because of all this support. “Lots of anticipation. Lots of excitement. We are ready!”

Here’s the schedule:

Sat., June 17 – 1-2:30pm EDT, 10-11:30am PDT – NBC
Sun., June 18 – 1-3pm EDT, 10am-12pm PDT – NBC
Sat., June 24 – 1-2:30pm EDT, 10-11:30am PDT – NBC
Sun., June 25 – 1-3pm EDT, 10am-12pm PDT – NBC
Mon., June 26 – 1-3pm EDT, 10am-12pm PDT – NBCSN*
Tues., June 27 – 1-3pm EDT, 10am-12pm PDT – NBCSN*

*if needed

Which team are you supporting?

Photo/Ricardo Pinto

Photo/Sam Greenfield ORACLE TEAM USA