2015 America's Cup World Series – Solid position in Sweden

by Oracle Team USA on 31 Aug 2015 2015 America's Cup World Series – After two wins from two starts on Saturday, Oracle Team USA was poised for a winning result at the Louis Vuitton Series in Gothenburg, Sweden.

But in light, shifty wind conditions on Sunday, it quickly became apparent it would be a much trickier afternoon on the race course.

The first race of the day showed just how topsy-turvy it could be when the hometown Artemis Racing, entering the day in last place, ran away for an easy race win.

Oracle Team USA had a hard-fought fourth place finish behind both Team New Zealand and Ben Ainslie in the day's opener.

'We were really scrambling,' said skipper Jimmy Spithill. 'We had a penalty off the starting line. And from then on it was a battle. We could never climb back through.'

The results in that first contest saw a tie at the top between Oracle Team USA, the Kiwis and the Brits. It would be all to play for in the final race.

After getting off the starting line well and taking an inside track at mark one, ORACLE TEAM USA was in a strong position early.

But a missed windshift saw both Emirates Team New Zealand and SoftBank Team Japan bounce the team around. In the light winds, recovery was impossible.

'We just didn't feel that quick all day. We had a decent lead and then we just got tangled up with those two and fell back a bit. We didn't feel fast in the light conditions and that's something we have to work on.'

A bad mark rounding in the middle of the race saw Groupama Team France sneak past and second fourth place finish meant second overall in Sweden, behind the Kiwis, and just ahead of the Brits.

'We wanted to win, there are no two ways about it. But a second place finish gives us something to shoot for in Bermuda.

'It's very tight between the first three teams here, and even further back, anyone can do well. We saw that today.

'We sailed really well yesterday, but we clearly have to work on how we approach the lighter conditions.

'The results do the talking. There are no excuses. Everyone is sailing with the same gear.'

Spithill had praise for the Kiwi winners at the Official Prizegiving: 'I'd like to congratulate Emirates Team New Zealand. They sailed a great regatta.'

Louis Vuitton America's Cup World Series Gothenburg - Final Results

Team - Points
Emirates Team NZ - 54
ORACLE TEAM USA - 48
Land Rover BAR - 46
SoftBank Team Japan - 43
Artemis Racing - 42
Groupama Team France 37

Overall standings at the Louis Vuitton America's Cup World Series
(following the first two events)

Team - Points
Emirates Team New Zealand - 72
Land Rover BAR - 65
ORACLE TEAM USA - 64
SoftBank Team Japan - 56
Artemis Racing - 53
Groupama Team France - 50