Undoubtedly the race of the regatta, we saw match-racing of the highest order with the finest helmsmen on both teams going head-to head in a race where no quarter was given right from the start. Thrilling, engrossing, it was simply sporting brilliance and a huge advert for the Louis Vuitton Cup that starts 29 August.
Peter Burling, skipper of Emirates Team New Zealand was understandably delighted with the win but described what it was like onboard, saying: “I think just incredibly challenging to sail in those conditions, we had a fair few issues we were managing on the boat, but we lucked-out in the pre-start and got a penalty on them, I was amazed the second penalty got turned off when it did with them still ahead of us – but then to stick to our guns and make a pass from there was really pleasing.”
And Burling further added: “We were expecting it to be tight and we were struggling to get the shifts right, but it’s going to be a close regatta. It’s all about making sure you get the phases right and sail the boat in the right places. I think we were a little frustrated with how we sailed today but plenty to go back and have a look at afterwards.”
