America's Cup Race 15 - The Big Mo' Momentum
by Sail-World.com on 23 Sep 2013
22/09/2013 - San Francisco (USA,CA) - 34th America’s Cup - Oracle Team USA vs Emirates Team New Zealand, Race Day 12 ACEA - Photo Gilles Martin-Raget
http://photo.americascup.com/
In race 15 of the America's Cup, Oracle Team USA had port entry 10 seconds ahead. Oracle to leeward. Emirates were very high. Oracle ahead, a length ahead, three seconds at the first mark.
Faster down wind, the American's gybe in good pressure and stretched to 400 metres lead. The US team in pressure, were on the foils where the Kiwis were not. 700 metre lead. Slingsby and Ainslie once again proving to be a great combination.
At the bottom of the course, the delta was 60 seconds, as the defenders cleared away from the challengers. Up the leg, the lead reduced to 250 metres, but the Oracle Team USA continued to dominate the race, though the race was tightening. But the top mark, Oracle was still 32 seconds ahead.
Down the leg, the wind was building. Oracle kept covering every Emirates move, while extending towards 500 metres. A slow gybe from Oracle and the lead was down to 150 metres. But Oracle rounded mark four and blasted towards the finish line.
The margin 37 seconds.
Its 8-5 on the water 8-7.
Spithill and his crew have refused to give in, now they have the faster boat, better crew work and superior tactics.
Another day like this and the most amazing comeback in America's Cup history could be upon us.
Jimmy Spithill 'What a fantastic day, Tom and Ben really great under pressure a lot of time, made the right decisions.’
Dean Barker, 'Tricky conditions, we did not do a very good job down wind.'
‘It’s right there for the taking, we did not do as good a job as we could have today, and tomorrow is another day.’
If you want to link to this article then please use this URL: www.sail-world.com/114852
