America’s Cup battle begins in Bermuda

Five would-be challengers to face Oracle in sport’s oldest trophy

The America’s Cup brings a breathtaking blend of space-age technology and sailing tradition to Bermuda today, when five would-be challengers begin their battle for the right to take on America’s Oracle for global sport’s oldest trophy.

The latest generation of America’s Cup catamarans will reach speeds of more than 80.47 km/h as they rise above the waters of Bermuda’s Great Sound, virtually flying on their hydrofoils in a spectacle likened to Formula One on water.

“It’s just the pinnacle of what we can imagine,” Oracle coach Philippe Presti told AFP of a competition that brings together “the most competent and talented people of their generation.” Oracle, the US syndicate backed by technology titan Larry Ellison and led by skipper Jimmy Spithill, will be going for a “three-peat” after victories in 2010 and 2013.

Their challenger will emerge from the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Qualifiers that start today and continue through June 12. Australian Glenn Ashby skippers Emirates Team New Zealand. Ben Ainslie — who played a key role as tactician in Oracle’s stunning comeback victory over Team New Zealand in 2013 — leads Land Rover BAR and aims to take the “Auld Mug” back to Britain for the first time since the inaugural edition of the competition around the Isle of Wight in 1851.

SoftBank Team Japan — the country’s first entry since 2000 — boasts plenty of experience in veteran helmsman Dean Barker of New Zealand — who won the Cup in 2000.