Team NZ impress in second trial
Why America’s Cup challengers are in doubt for opening salvos of campaign
Team New Zealand continued their promising form in the America’s Cup practice races yesterday, while two of the challengers failed to front. Peter Burling had the edge over Jimmy Spithill and Luna Rossa in the first skirmish and held a lead of more than 30 seconds after two legs when the trial ended.
Team New Zealand trailed in the second “race” of the day, before finding some extra speed to mow down the Italians, again holding the initiative when the session finished.
The third sortie was more clearcut, with the European team pulling the pin early on the first beat after being outfoxed at the start.
The Kiwi boat displayed good straight-line speed and looked confident in their manoeuvres, which will please the team hierarchy.
Things won’t be so positive over at INEOS Team UK, after the British yacht again failed to front. Sir Ben Ainslie’s team didn’t take part on Tuesday after an issue with their mast, and work was ongoing yesterday on Britannia.
American Magic was also a non-starter yesterday. They had impressed on Tuesday, with helmsman Dean Barker displaying some adept handling and confidence in tight situations, but some unspecified issues with Patriot meant they couldn’t take part yesterday. Both syndicates will be racing the clock to be part of today’s official practice session and look unlikely starters.
Team New Zealand made a solid start yesterday. The practice was delayed for more than an hour by blustery winds but once it got underway Burling gained the edge over the Italians off the start, after some jousting with Luna Rossa.
Te Rehutai maintained its advantage on the first upwind beat and held a 37-second advantage at the second mark, when the first practice race ceased.
The action again took place on Course E, which is the most isolated of the five options, in the east of Auckland off Bucklands Beach.
It’s subject to a wind bias and affected by the tides more than other courses, so it’s difficult to glean too much insight.
Still, the performance would have been heartening for Team NZ, considering their lack of time on the water in their second boat which was launched only a month ago.
Trials continue today ahead of the America’s Cup World Series which begins next Thursday.