GRUDGE REMATCH: THE FIVE KEY FACTORS

Jimmy Spithill: Chairman of the boards

Team New Zealand’s clash with Oracle Team USA for the America’s Cup is a rematch of the unforgettable duel between the two in San Francisco four years ago. The American syndicate produced one of the biggest comebacks in sporting history to erase a 8-1 deficit to win 9-8 and retain the Auld Mug.

As the best-of-13 race battle for one of the oldest trophies in sport looms closer, we take a look at the five keys to deciding the outcome.

Start as you mean to go on

In what are relatively short races, starting well proved key during the challenger component of the regatta. Team NZ was unbeaten throughout the qualifiers, semifinals and final when they rounded the first mark in front. Getting the early upper hand not only involves winning, or at least matching, your rival in the start box cat-and-mouse and having the best combination of speed and angle down the short opening reach.

Much was made of Peter Burling’s early struggles in the start box, and how that could be crucial against aggressive and experienced Oracle counterpart Jimmy Spithill. But the young Kiwi helmsman made big strides with his starts across the challenger semis and final. With the two boats expected to be very evenly matched for speed, who can lead around mark one could be crucial.

Set up - Decisions And Development

While pure sailing ability will always be vital, technology in this modern-day America’s Cup is hugely important. This battle can Champion Oracle skipper Jimmy Spithill is widely known for his sailing ability, but he’s equally at home on the water in paddleboarding.

Three weeks before the start of the America’s Cup, Spithill featured in the Devil’s Isle Challenge in Bermuda on May 7, a 64km endurance event.

Fitness-freak Spithill is a regular stand up paddleboard rider, having twice contested the 52km crossing in the annual Molokai 2 Oahu race in Hawaii.

The super-competitive Spithill viewed it as valuable downtime away from the pressures of the America’s Cup defence against Team New Zealand.

‘‘With how long and involved our team’s working days are, breaking

be split into two components - dayto-day decisions on boat development and the ability to keep developing and innovating.

Based on the predictions of their weather experts, boats will be set up for specific wind conditions in a particular ‘mode’. Primarily, this involves choices on the size and type of foils, foil tips and rudder elevators, the bottom section of the boat’s steering function. Making the right choices can be the difference between a win and a loss. As proven by Oracle in their miraculous 2013 comeback, the teams must also continue to develop their equipment until the final race.

Keeping it clean and tidy

Aside from starting well, avoiding penalties and unforced errors during racing will be crucial. free to paddle for a day is refreshing because it gives you time to really think,’’ he said.

During last week’s America’s Cup challenger semifinals, Spithill was snapped out in the Great Sound on his paddleboard while racing was suspended due to high winds.

Spithill said many of the Incurring a penalty in this America’s Cup means slowing down by a margin of two boatlengths, principles that applied to paddleboarding were also relevant with yachting.

‘‘One of the biggest lessons I learned from the America’s Cup is that you never give up. It doesn’t matter how tough the situation look if you’re still in the race, you’ve got a shot.’’