America's Cup- Commanding performance from Emirates Team NZ

by Warren Douglas on 11 Sep 2013
Emirates Team New Zealand turned on a commanding performance on San Francisco Bay today to beat Oracle in the fifth race of the America’s Cup.

Once again Dean Barker and his crew came from behind. Again it was on the upwind leg, this time turning an 8s deficit at mark 2 into a dominant 1m 17s lead at mark 3.

Oracle’s led from the start and had an advantage of 4s at the first mark. Barker and tactician Ray Davies kept it close downwind and on the approach to the second mark NZL5 were only 140m astern.

Early on the third leg, an Oracle tack opened the door slightly, giving Barker the chance he was looking for. NZL5’s speed upwind took over; Oracle had no answer and New Zealand sailed away.

NZL5 was never troubled and was 1m 5s in front at the finish.



The second race today was not sailed – Oracle playing its postponement card. Each team has one card which it can use at any time during the regatta for any reason – for example a mechanical or structural problem or even the weather.

At the start, the breeze was 16-20 knots, with gusts tip to 24 knots. The flood tide was 1.9 knots.

Dean Barker: 'We were very pleased to take the win. These guys (Oracle) are getting off the line well. We are going to work hard on improving our starting,' he told the after-race media conference.

'There were challenging conditions out on the Bay today. The crew did an amazing job, especially when we were behind at mark one.'

'We can't be ahead all the time, but must be close all of the time to keep the race alive.'

He was asked if what happened today affect the team’s thinking about the next race.

'Absolutely not, we have the same approach every race. We look to win one race at a time. The boats punish you if you make mistakes. There are no easy races.'

Emirates Team New Zealand Crew List
Skipper/helmsman: Dean Barker (14), Tactician: Ray Davies (10), Wing Trimmer: Glenn Ashby (3), Trimmer: James Dagg (9), Bow: Adam Beashel (2), Pit: Jeremy Lomas (8), Pedestal 1: Chris Ward (7), Pedestal 2: Rob Waddell (11), Pedestal 3: Grant Dalton (6), Pedestal 4: Chris McAsey (5), Float/Grinder: Derek Saward (12)

34th America’s Cup Standings (first to 9 points wins)
Emirates Team New Zealand – 4
Oracle Team USA – 0
Race 5 Performance Data
Course: 5 Legs/10.27 nautical miles
Elapsed Time: ETNZ – 22:45, OTUSA – 23:50
Delta: ETNZ +1:05
Total distance sailed: ETNZ – 11.4 NM, OTUSA – 11.5 NM
Average Speed: ETNZ – 30.21 knots (35 mph), OTUSA – 29.17 knots (33 mph)
Top Speed: ETNZ – 46.94 knots (54 mph), OTUSA – 44.93 knots (52 mph)
Windspeed: Average – 20 knots, Peak – 24.1 knots