America's Cup - Defender Oracle Team USA sweeps on the Bay

by Irene Corosu on 23 Sep 2013 In the 34th America's Cup, Oracle Team USA won Race 15 by 37 seconds over Emirates Team New Zealand to sweep the day after winning Race 14 by 23 seconds.

Oracle Team USA has clawed its way to 8-5 on the scoreline, after trailing by 8-1 on Wednesday. Emirates Team New Zealand needs one more win to win the America’s Cup while Oracle Team USA has to win out, four more victories.

In a near carbon copy of Race 14, Oracle Team USA started Race 15 to leeward of Emirates Team New Zealand to lead by three seconds at the first turning mark. The defender stretched its lead to one minute at the second turning mark, before the Kiwis made inroads on the upwind leg. The Kiwis made another charge on the second downwind leg, but Oracle Team USA was too far ahead to overcome.

Races 16 and 17 (if necessary) are scheduled for tomorrow at 1:15 and 2:15 pm PT.

34th America’s Cup Standings (first to nine points wins)

Emirates Team New Zealand – 8
Oracle Team USA – 5

Race 15 Performance Data

Course: 5 Legs/10.22 nautical miles
Elapsed Time: OTUSA – 27:34, ETNZ – 28:11
Delta: OTUSA +:37
Total distance sailed: OTUSA – 12.0 NM, ETNZ – 11.9 NM
Average Speed: OTUSA – 26.23 knots (30 mph), ETNZ – 25.40 knots (29 mph)
Top Speed: OTUSA – 41.80 knots (48 mph), ETNZ – 40.35 knots (46 mph)
Windspeed: Average – 12.9 knots, Peak – 18.0 knots
Number of Tacks/Jibes: OTUSA – 7/7, ETNZ – Americas Cup