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Sailing – Tight Race for the America’s Cup

Sailing – Tight Race for the America’s Cup

The America’s Cup duel between defending champion New Zealand and challenger Italy continues to be a close race. After the second day, the battle for the most prestigious trophy in international sailing is 2-2.

The “Luna Rossa” crew with co-helmsmen Francesco Bruni (Italy) and Jimmy Spithill (Australia) initially took the lead 2-1 on Friday. The third race, which was almost perfectly sailed, gave the Italians their second victory point in light winds of eight knots with a 37 second lead at the finish.

In race four the New Zealanders managed the counterattack: “Te Rehutai” helmsman Peter Burling and his team dominated the round with strong positioning, better timing and good speed in the light winds, which until then were considered the Italians’ strengths. The Emirates Team New Zealand finished 1 minute and 3 seconds ahead of the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team.

“These were conditions today with strong advantages for the leading boat. Both boats have proven that they can win races,” said the 41-year-old Spithill. In terms of individual racing successes, the two-time America’s Cup winner with 16 race wins since this week is the most successful helmsman in America’s Cup history, ahead of Russell Coutts (New Zealand, 14 wins) and Dennis Conner (13 wins). The 36th America’s Cup match since 1851 will continue on Saturday (4.15 a.m. CET / Servus TV). The team that reaches seven wins first wins. (apa)

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