America's Cup - Oracle team USA splits the day, collects third win

by Oracle team USA on 16 Sep 2013 Today, Oracle team USA picked up where it left off with a win in the first of two races at the 34th America’s Cup in San Francisco. The team split the day, winning Race nine of the regatta before Emirates Team New Zealand crossed the line first in Race ten.

'Yesterday we had a great race, and we were able to put the pressure on New Zealand,' said grinder Shannon Falcone. 'To come out strong again this morning and dominate in that first race was a really good feeling. We put in a lot of effort in our days off to make the changes necessary to the boat and review our crew work. And, I feel really comfortable with where we are at.'

Oracle team USA controlled Race nine from the start. After rounding the first mark four seconds in front, they continued to extend and hold on to claim the wire-to-wire victory. Skipper Jimmy Spithill and crew crossed the line 46 seconds in front of New Zealand.

In Race ten, Emirates Team New Zealand gained the early advantage off the line. Oracle team USA made up more than 150 meters on the third leg to move ahead before the lead shifted back. Overall, the lead changed four times during the race, with New Zealand narrowly holding on to win by 17 seconds.

'I can honestly say this is the most fun, exciting racing I’ve ever been involved with,' said tactician Ben Ainslie. 'To see these two teams getting to grips with the boats and what they’re capable of, we’re finally seeing the reality and the excitement. This is an incredible series to be a part of.'

With no racing scheduled for Monday, Oracle team USA will spend part of the day training on the water. Racing resumes on Tuesday with both teams on the course for Races 11 and 12 of the regatta, beginning at 1:15 pm PT and 2:15 pm PT, respectively.

Oracle team USA collected its first point of the series with today’s win. Emirates Team New Zealand maintains the overall lead at 7-1 in points and 7-3 in wins.

Race 9 Data
Course: 5 Legs/10.02 nautical miles
Elapsed Time: OTUSA – 21:53, ETNZ – 22:40
Delta: OTUSA +:47
Total distance sailed: OTUSA – 11.3 NM, ETNZ – 11.5 NM
Average Speed: OTUSA – 31.63 knots (36 mph), ETNZ – 31.32 knots (36 mph)
Top Speed: OTUSA – 42.52 knots (49 mph), ETNZ – 42.54 knots (49 mph)
Windspeed: Average – 17.6 knots, Peak – 20.8 knots
Number of Tacks/Jibes: OTUSA – 8/6, ETNZ – 8/8

Race 10 Data
Course: 5 Legs/10.02 nautical miles
Elapsed Time: ETNZ – 22:00, OTUSA – 22:16
Delta: ETNZ +:16
Total distance sailed: ETNZ – 11.8 NM, OTUSA – 11.7 NM
Average Speed: ETNZ – 32.25 knots (37 mph), OTUSA – 31.76 knots (36 mph)
Top Speed: ETNZ – 43.01 knots (49 mph), OTUSA – 44.98 knots (52 mph)
Windspeed: Average – 18.3 knots, Peak – 22.3 knots
Number of Tacks/Jibes: ETNZ – 7/7, OTUSA – 7/7

Standings
Emirates Team New Zealand – 7
Oracle team USA – 1