America's Cup - Defender claims race 14 victory to extend Finals

by Irene Corosu on 23 Sep 2013 In race 14 of the 34th America's Cup, Oracle Team USA claimed victory by 23 seconds over Emirates Team New Zealand to fight off elimination yet again.

Oracle Team USA got the leeward position off the start line and held off Emirates Team New Zealand approaching the first turning mark. The defender fought off constant attacks from the challenger throughout the race, at one time just crossing ahead by less than a boatlength, but never lost the lead.

Emirates Team New Zealand still leads the series 8-4 and needs just one victory to win the America’s Cup while Oracle Team USA needs to win five consecutive races. Race 15 is scheduled to start at 2:22 pm PT.

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

Emirates Team New Zealand – 8
Oracle Team USA – 4

Race 14 Performance Data

Course: 5 Legs/10.22 nautical miles
Elapsed Time: OTUSA – 33:47, ETNZ – 34:10
Delta: OTUSA +:23
Total distance sailed: OTUSA – 12.8 NM, ETNZ – 13.1 NM
Average Speed: OTUSA – 23.31 knots (27 mph), ETNZ – 22.58 knots (26 mph)
Top Speed: OTUSA – 36.60 knots (42 mph), ETNZ – 35.41 knots (41 mph)
Windspeed: Average – 11.4 knots, Peak – 14.9 knots
Number of Tacks/Jibes: OTUSA – 8/12, ETNZ – Americas Cup website