America's Cup - Emirates Team NZ wins only race sailed in Chicago

by Emirates Team NZ Media on 12 Jun 2016 The Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Chicago got off to a confusing start today with conditions for the majority of the day more suitable for relaxing on the waters of Lake Michigan rather than full fledged fighting it out on foiling AC45’s.

The official race window came and went without enough wind to warrant a hoisted headsail, so Friday’s ‘substitute race’ result was implemented meaning overall series leader Emirates Team New Zealand placed fourth ahead of close rivals Land Rover BAR and Oracle Team USA.

“There was an amazing crowd and spectator boats as far as the eye could see, so everyone was up for action other than the wind gods.” Said tactician Ray Davies.

“We were eager to race, having had such great racing yesterday, but conditions just didn't allow it…. initially.”

Late in the afternoon a perfect breeze emerged from the city and built to allow the race committee an opportunity to start a race which will only be used as a substitute race for the final day on Sunday if the wind conditions are not suitable for racing at the scheduled start time of the first race tomorrow it will be broadcast and count as a double point race.

Confused?

To put it simply- Emirates Team New Zealand won the only race which was actually sailed on Saturday, but it may not count for anything if three races are sailed tomorrow.

“It was a long hot day waiting on the water for the guys. So when the opportunity came for a race our guys switched into gear fantastically.” said skipper Glenn Ashby

“Pete did a great job at the start, we have a good lead at the first mark then it was just up to us to pick the shifts well to keep out in front.”

Which is precisely what the kiwi team did, playing the shifts and extending its lead around the track before popping up on the foils to cross the finish line and giving the large Navy Pier crowd something to cheer for.

It remains to be seen if the result will count- that all depends on tomorrows conditions.

Results of Race 1 (Sailed on Friday)

SoftBank Team Japan (10 Points)
Artemis Racing (9 Points)
Groupama Team France (8 Points)
Emirates Team New Zealand (7 Points)
Land Rover BAR (6 Points)
Oracle Team USA (5 Points)

Overall World Series Standings

Emirates Team New Zealand: 251 points
Oracle Team USA: 241 Points
Land Rover BAR: 233 Points
SoftBank Team Japan: 213 Points
Artemis Racing: 210 Points
Groupama Team France: 202 Points

Tomorrow’s ‘Super Sunday’ is scheduled for three double points fleet races, which will decide the winner of Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Chicago.