America's Cup World Series Portsmouth – A challenging day for US Team

by Peter Rusch on 26 Jul 2015 2015 America's Cup World Series - Oracle Team USA skipper Jimmy Spithill says his team was battling for every inch on the first day of racing at the Louis Vuitton America's Cup World Series in Portsmouth on Saturday.

It was a stunning day for the opening races of the 35th America's Cup. Bright sunshine and 10-14 knot winds provided spectacular conditions.

A crowd that measured in the tens of thousands was on hand to cheer on local hero Ben Ainslie, but Oracle Team USA skipper Jimmy Spithill and his crew were determined to steal the show.

In the first race, it was a close run affair, with the American defender claiming second place just behind Ainslie.

The second race was more difficult - Oracle Team USA finished in fourth - good enough to secure a podium position of third place after the first day of racing.

'We were just trying to get everything we could today. You had to fight for every inch,' Spithill said. 'It was a fight out there for us all day, just trying to claw our way back up the fleet.'

Racing is scheduled to continue on Sunday, with double points on offer for races three and four. Start time is 1340 local time in Portsmouth. But the forecast is for strong winds, perhaps at the upper limit for racing. (in fact could be well beyond Ed.)

'It will be interesting to see what tomorrow brings. The forecast is for a lot of wind, but we'll see what happens. I think it will be sailable.'

As to the crowds that turned out to enjoy the day, Spithill said he and his team mates were impressed at the number of people in venue.

'It was certainly filled up today. Very impressive. It's like going into a football stadium. You can hear the fans, the cheering. It fires the guys up!'