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America's cup 2021

Discussion in 'Queens Park Rangers' started by kiwiqpr, Jan 15, 2021.

  1. kiwiqpr

    kiwiqpr Barnsie Mod

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    America's Cup 2021: INEOS Team UK complete incredible comeback to sweep challenger rivals in opening round
    Sir Ben Ainslie and crew regroup during the America's Cup challenger series. Credit: Image - Photosport, video - TVNZ
    British maestro Sir Ben Ainslie has shown why he's regarded as one of the world's greatest sailors, leading INEOS Team UK to victories over their America's Cup rivals on opening day of challenger racing off Auckland.

    Seemingly - and sometimes literally - dead in the water during the pre-Christmas world series, the Brits have completed an incredible comeback to put their opponents - including Emirates Team NZ - on notice that they are serious contenders to lift the 'Auld Mug' for the first time.

    Drawn to face both NYYC American Magic and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli on day one of Prada Cup competition, Ainsle quickly dismissed any thoughts he was out of his depth, dispatching the challenger favourites by more than minute, then the Challengers of Record by 28 seconds.

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    Best vantage spots to watch America's Cup World Series

    The four-time Olympic champion showed his tactical prowess by winning both starts and dominating the favoured righthand side of the course, revelling in the shadow of Devonport's North Head.

    Over the two races, he never trailled for a single second.

    Manoeuvres that seemed out of reach three weeks ago were suddenly executed without hitch, leaving his rivals wondering whether Sir Ben just might have been bluffing previously.

    None of this should have come as a huge surprise. Earlier this week, Team NZ boss Grant Dalton warned against dismissing the British and Ainslie detailed the myriad improvements his team had worked through the holidays to make on their boat Britannia.

    Today, he dedicated his success to those watching from the team base.
     
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  2. Sooperhoop

    Sooperhoop Well-Known Member

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    He's a born winner, didn't he help an American team to a comeback win a few years ago? Put your money on him to be in the first British team to win it...
     
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  3. Didley Squat

    Didley Squat Well-Known Member

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    We've already won it.
    Next......................

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  4. kiwiqpr

    kiwiqpr Barnsie Mod

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    Are you even in it
     
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  5. kiwiqpr

    kiwiqpr Barnsie Mod

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    America's Cup 2021: Luna Rossa reportedly protesting Ineos Team UK over technicality after Prada Cup opening day
    15 Jan, 2021 08:50 PM3 minutes to read


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    Beyond the Cup - Post-race analysis of Day 1 of the Prada Cup, hosted by Alex Chapman with expert comments from round the world sailor Bianca Cook and AUT Sailing Professor Mark Orams.
    NZ Herald

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    Ineos Team UK's sensational comeback on day one of the Prada Cup has taken a sour turn - with another challenger reportedly protesting the British boat over a design technicality.

    Sir Ben Ainslie's outfit stunned the America's Cup field on Friday during the first day's action by completing a staggering turnaround to bank two shock wins - topping pre-regatta favourites American Magic by a comprehensive 1m 20s, before rounding out a perfect day with a 28-second win over Italian syndicate Luna Rossa.

    Less than a month ago Ineos performed disastrously in the America's Cup World Series, failing to win a race and struggling to stay on their foils in light breeze.

    Yachting website Live Sail Die is reporting that Luna Rossa are protesting the Brits "for having their outhaul penetrating the sail skin on their main fairing". According to the report, this means a hole in their mainsail that is considered illegal - and is separate to earlier protests launched by the Italians "regarding backstays, substitute weights, and stickers".

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    The outhaul adjustment helps to control the shape of the mainsail and is restricted by complex America's Cup rules.

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    Ineos Team UK have reportedly been the subject of a protest by Luna Rossa for having their outhaul penetrating the sail skin on their main fairing. Photo / Georgia Schofield, Live Sail Die
    The Herald understands Ineos have recently fitted a new outhaul adjustment and that they may have tried to maximise the movement. It is believed it would be considered only a "minor infringement".

    Live Sail Die reported that the rule was broken with Ineos' new outhaul, but there is no penalty yet as the part was passed at measurement. The website noted, however, that Ineos need to come up with a solution to fix the issue before their race tomorrow.

    It is also believed Ineos Team UK earlier may have protested the non-use of Luna Rossa's running backstays - resulting in a late change for the challenger of record on Friday.

    After forgoing the use of a running backstay in the America's Cup World Series, the Italians installed one for their opening race of the Prada Cup, against Ineos Team UK.

    The backstay is a sail trim control that runs from the mast to the stern of the boat and affects the shape of the mainsail and headsail.

    SPORT|Sailing
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    Luna Rossa were the only team not to use one during the America's Cup World Series as a way of minimising drag.

    Heading into the Cup racing?

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    • For more ways to enjoy race day, visit at.govt.nz/americascup.

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    America's Cup 2021: Luna Rossa's Jimmy Spithill taking positives from opening day of Prada Cup
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    America's Cup 2021: Prada Cup live updates - Schedule, start time, odds, live streaming and how to watch
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  6. kiwiqpr

    kiwiqpr Barnsie Mod

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    America's Cup: Jimmy Spithill admits landscape has changed after British team dominate
    David Long05:00, Jan 16 2021







    Play Video


    STUFF
    Stuff's Duncan Johnstone and Todd Niall review day one of the Prada Cup

    Jimmy Spithill admits the Prada Cup oulook has changed with INEOS Team UK’s two victories in the Prada Cup on Friday.

    The British team were expected to be the whipping boys of the event after some woeful performances in the pre-Christmas World Series.

    But Spithill, the co-helmsman for Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team, confirmed that it’s now game on for the three teams, who are batting out for the right to take on Team New Zealand in March.






    Play Video


    TVNZ
    Sir Ben Ainslie captures the opening two races of the Prada Cup with two brilliant starts over American Magic and Luna Rossa.

    “I think clearly the landscape has changed,” Spithill said.


    “We said a few days ago that Ben (Ainslie, INOES Team UK skipper) and his guys have made a big step up.

    READ MORE:
    * America's Cup: Luna Rossa push rules to protect their strength
    * America's Cup: British upsets exactly what Prada Cup needed
    * America's Cup: INEOS Team UK stun rivals with two Prada Cup wins

    “You look at the Christmas racing, there was a lot of issues and they were struggling to get around the race track. Now, they’ve dominated a couple of races.

    “So we knew that, we knew it was going to be tough.”

    RICKY WILSON/STUFF
    Jimmy Spithill believes it's good for all the challengers to have a strong INEOS Team UK.
    With the British boat appearing to be as good as Luna Rossa and American Magic, on the evidence from Friday, that makes it harder for Spithill and his team to win the Prada Cup.

    However, he believes another factor in it is that this could work against Team New Zealand.

    “It’s actually a great thing for the challengers, to have close, competitive teams out there, pushing each other,” the 41-year-old Australian said.

    “The ultimate goal is that one of us wants to win and beat the Kiwis.

    “So we expected them to be competitive, to be tough.






    Play Video


    TVNZ
    Sir Ben Ainslie gets the best start and proves too strong for Dean Barker's American Magic in race one of the Prada Cup.

    “We didn’t underestimate them at all, regardless of what happened in the past.

    “Going forward, it’s going to be exactly the same.”

    Meanwhile, American Magic skipper Terry Hutchinson conceded that while his team made mistakes, it was a superb race from their opponents.

    “We’ve been debriefing the race for the last bit and the disappointing part was that we did what we wanted to do and it was wrong,” Hutchinson said.

    “That’s yacht racing, that’s sport and INEOS had a great day all of the way round and from our perspective, we gave up a little bit at the end of the first beat by choosing left gate over right gate and they made a big jump there.

    “With the width of the race course, if you get two wind shifts behind it’s going to be really hard to grind them down.

    RICKY WILSON/STUFF
    Even when on their foils, Luna Rossa was no match for INEOS Team UK.
    “They sailed flawlessly, and we did what we did to try to keep it close, but it was a rich get richer racecourse in our race.”

    Saturday is a big day for American Magic as it’s the one this weekend where they race twice and two more defeats would really put them on the back foot against their two opponents.

    Hutchinson said there were a few key areas where they needed to make changes.



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    DAVID LONG • SENIOR SPORTS WRITER

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    “The things you can continue to focus on are your manoeuvrability and making sure you have the right sails on, generating the right aero shapes to keep the boat out of the water,” he said.

    “So that’s where our focus will be and then evaluating what the wind is going to do.

    “I think the forecast is a bit trickier, so there will be a big emphasis on getting that first shift right and getting a higher percentage of what we want.”



    AMERICA'S CUP
    Duncan Johnstone delivers essential news from on and off the water each Monday.
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    AT A GLANCE

    PRADA CUP

    STANDINGS

    INEOS TEAM UK - 2 points

    Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team - 0

    New York Yacht Club American Magic - 0

    SCHEDULE

    Saturday

    Round Robin One

    Race 3

    3.15pm - Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team v New York Yacht Club American Magic

    Round Robin Two

    Race 1

    4.15pm - INEOS TEAM UK v New York Yacht Club American Magic
     
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  7. kiwiqpr

    kiwiqpr Barnsie Mod

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    America's Cup 2021: Luna Rossa claim win over American Magic as Dean Barker has sly dig at race officials
    16 Jan, 2021 06:00 PM4 minutes to read


    Play Video
    AUT Sailing Professor Mark Orams and world-champion sailor Phil Robertson join NZME's Cheree Kinnear for an in-depth look at all the news from Day 2 of the Prada Cup.
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    By: Christopher Reive
    Christopher Reive is a sports reporter for NZME

    @chrisreive
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    Ineos Team UK have remained unbeaten in the Prada Cup, beating American Magic in their only race on day two.

    But for the Americans, led by Kiwi Dean Barker, it was a second horror day on the water as they suffered a third defeat and tumbled from pre-regatta favourites to now being regarded as the weakest challenger on display.

    The frustration seemingly got to Barker who, after the first race of the day - defeat to Jimmy Spithill's Luna Rossa in very light breeze - expressed his displeasure with the decision to go ahead with sailing despite the low winds.

    "[You could] call that a lottery yeah … pretty marginal. You question why you want to do that as part of the event. But it is what it is. Swings and roundabouts and it obviously didn't go that well for us," Barker said in what was seemingly a veiled dig at officials.

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    When asked why American Magic didn't go with bigger headsails, Barker said: "Leading up to the start we didn't expect to be sailing in that light a breeze. It was a bit of a surprise that it got so light.

    "It is just connecting the dots. Everyone is struggling."

    In what had previously been an area of concern for Ineos Team UK, the British entry showed plenty of improvement in the light winds to claim their third straight win.

    As they did on opening day, Sir Ben Ainslie's crew got the better of the start which put them in position to control the course.

    The British team managed the patchy conditions better, and led by more than 1600m after the third leg.

    In the end, it became a race against the clock for Ineos Team UK, who had just under seven minutes to finish the final leg and beat the 45-minute time limit on the race.

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    They did so with about two minutes remaining, at which team skipper Sir Ben Ainslie said "good sailing".

    The Americans also suffered a nightmare start to the first race - after unsuccessfully appealing for a penalty on the Italian following a close cross in the pre-start, both teams dropped off their foils and were already having to work hard to get flying again.

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    The Italians did so before long, while the Americans remained beached for much of the remaining two minutes before the start.

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    Luna Rossa beat American Magic by more than a leg. Photo / Brett Phibbs
    As Luna Rossa flew down the first leg, American Magic again fell off the foils midway through the leg, and were racing in displacement until just before the marker, which they rounded more than seven minutes after Luna Rossa.

    But while American Magic had their struggles in the opening leg, Luna Rossa had their own in the second. The Americans quickly ate through the lead as Luna Rossa couldn't get foiling and halfway down the leg found themselves in the lead.

    Both teams' struggles to stay up saw the race shorted from six legs to four early in the second leg.

    Soon after, Luna Rossa flew back into the lead as they were able to get up on their foils before their counterparts to lead by one minute at the second marker.

    From there, they never relinquished the lead – managing to chase the breeze all the way down the last leg to stay on their foils the whole way down and close out a strange race.

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    Heading into the Cup racing?

    • Give yourself plenty of time and think about catching a ferry, train or bus to watch the Cup.

    • Make sure your AT HOP card is in your pocket. It's the best way to ride.

    • Don't forget to scan QR codes with the NZ COVID Tracer app when on public transport and entering the America's Cup Village.

    • For more ways to enjoy race day, visit at.govt.nz/americascup.

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    America's Cup 2021: The Prada Cup, day two - Schedule, start time, odds, live streaming and how to watch
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    America's Cup 2021: Ineos Team UK's skipper Ben Ainslie laughs off 'foxing' claims
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    America's Cup 2021: PJ Montgomery reveals Team New Zealand have 'more good stuff'
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  8. kiwiqpr

    kiwiqpr Barnsie Mod

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    America's Cup 2021: American Magic dramatically capsize during Prada Cup racing
    17 Jan, 2021 06:00 PM4 minutes to read


    Play Video
    American Magic capsizes during their Day 3 race against Luna Rossa.
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    By: Christopher Reive
    Christopher Reive is a sports reporter for NZME

    @chrisreive
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    Dean Barker's American Magic crew have lived out a scene sailors would only hope to see in their nightmares - battling against the ocean and the conditions to save their boat after a spectacular capsize.

    It was a concern when the AC75 was unveiled that the high speeds they would reach could be a recipe for carnage, but none could have predicted the scenes that unfolded on Sunday.

    It seemed to happen in slow motion. The American syndicate appeared to be trying to take a sharp turn around the marker, travelling at 45 knots when they were picked up by the wind and all but lifted out of the water. The boat looked wobbly in the moments before going to the sky, and fell slowly and helplessly once they had dropped back down onto the water.

    The crew members were all quickly accounted for and confirmed safe, but the vessel itself was taking on an alarming amount of water.

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    Pumps were rushed out to the vessel and members of Team New Zealand, Ineos Team UK and Luna Rossa, as well as police, divers and the coastguard went out on the water to try to keep American Magic's boat afloat, with several flotation devices being used in a bid to keep it above the water.

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    American Magic's Patriot lies on its side after capsizing. Photo / Michael Craig
    There were suggestions from regatta officials that the vessel had sustained a leak as, after an hour of working to keep it above the water, the vessel didn't appear to be sinking any further but did not appear to be rising either.

    However, after more than an hour and a half of frantic activity, the bow of the boat rose back above the water and the full vessel had soon completely emerged. While it was above the water, they were still pumping out some water more than two hours after the incident.

    It eventually started its journey back to the Americans' base just before 8pm on Sunday, an 18km trek made backwards because of what is believed to be a hole in the bow.

    The events were made all the more eerie after comments made by team skipper Terry Hutchinson late last year.

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    Floats are provided by the Coastguard to help Patriot stay bouyant. Photo / Michael Craig
    In a press conference before the America's Cup World Series in December, when asked what the scariest manoeuvre in an AC75 was, American Magic skipper Terry Hutchinson responded: "Probably capsizing. It's a well-practised manoeuvre; we had 19 in our (scaled-down version) mule and one in our AC75, so we're experienced with it."

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    'We're all a bit angry': American Magic boss frustrated at shocking start
    16 Jan, 2021 08:30 PMQuick Read
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    Paul Lewis: How Ineos Team UK made me look like an idiot
    17 Jan, 2021 06:00 AMQuick Read
    While they kept the boat from adding to the collection in Davy Jones' Locker, the next few days will reveal just how much damage has been done to the boat – particularly given how much technology is on board.

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    An American Magic crew member aboard the capsized Patriot. Photo / Michael Craig
    The drama brought an end to a wild day in the Prada Cup in which the first race, between Luna Rossa and Ineos Team UK, was abandoned and restarted after four of six legs already being sailed due to a 90-degree wind shift.

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    The courses are set up to have legs upwind and downwind, and the wind shift meant it was blowing across the course and was deemed to meet the criteria for a restart.

    After a short delay in which the course was shifted to better represent the conditions, the race was completed with Team UK taking their fourth win.

    The second race, in which American Magic capsized, was given to Luna Rossa as the Americans were forced to withdraw.

    Heading into the Cup racing?

    • Give yourself plenty of time and think about catching a ferry, train or bus to watch the Cup.

    • Make sure your AT HOP card is in your pocket. It's the best way to ride.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    Advertise with NZME.
    • Don't forget to scan QR codes with the NZ COVID Tracer app when on public transport and entering the America's Cup Village.

    • For more ways to enjoy race day, visit at.govt.nz/americascup.

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  9. kiwiqpr

    kiwiqpr Barnsie Mod

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    America's Cup 2021: Ineos Team UK book place in final after Prada Cup thriller against Luna Rossa
    23 Jan, 2021 05:50 PM2 minutes to read


    Beyond the Cup - All of the news from the thrilling INEOS Team UK victory over Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli to win the Prada Cup Round Robins, with AUT Sailing Professor Mark Orams and Matt Brown. Video / NZME
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    By: Christopher Reive
    Christopher Reive is a sports reporter for NZME

    @chrisreive
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    Ineos Team UK have punched their ticket into the Prada Cup final.

    The British syndicate have stayed unbeaten in the round robin, beating Luna Rossa by 33 seconds in their penultimate race of the series.

    "That was one for the fans, eh?" Ineos Team UK helmsman Sir Ben Ainslie said after the race.

    With American Magic out of the round robin racing, Ineos Team UK only needed one win over their Italian rivals to qualify for the finals, and they took the first opportunity they got.

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    After an 80-minutes delay caused by a combination of shifty winds, course changes and boat maintenance, the race finally got underway.

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    Ineos Team UK in action against Luna Rossa. Photo / Brett Phibbs
    The pair both started off well, and that was a sign of things to come. There was very little to separate the two throughout the race, with nine lead changes throughout the closest race of the regatta so far.

    Two bad tacks from Luna Rossa opened the door for Ineos Team UK in the opening two legs, however by the third gate the Italians held a 19-second lead.

    That was cut to 10 seconds through the fourth gate, and the British outfit had taken the lead back at the penultimate gate.

    From there, it was a one-leg drag race, and Sir Ben Ainslie's crew got the better of it. Luna Rossa protested the final cross of the race, but their protest was turned down and the British crew claimed the win.

    They can now opt not to race on Sunday should they wish, as the result now has no bearing on the final round robin standings.

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    'A lot on the line': How the teams stack up ahead of pivotal Prada Cup race
    22 Jan, 2021 06:00 PMQuick Read
    Heading into the Cup racing?

    • Give yourself plenty of time and think about catching a ferry, train or bus to watch the Cup.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    Advertise with NZME.
    • Make sure your AT HOP card is in your pocket. It's the best way to ride.

    • Don't forget to scan QR codes with the NZ COVID Tracer app when on public transport and entering the America's Cup Village.

    • For more ways to enjoy race day, visit at.govt.nz/americascup.

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    America's Cup 2021: All the latest from the Prada Cup
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    America's Cup 2021: Prada Cup as it happened - Schedule, start time, odds, live streaming and how to watch
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    America's Cup 2021: Race director introduces postponement card after 'significant issues' in Prada Cup race
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  10. Sooperhoop

    Sooperhoop Well-Known Member

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    Our boy done good... <ok>
     
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  11. kiwiqpr

    kiwiqpr Barnsie Mod

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    America's Cup 2021: Sir Ben Ainslie vents frustration as Ineos Team UK risk race disqualification
    24 Jan, 2021 01:00 PM3 minutes to read


    Play Video
    Beyond the Cup - All of the news from the thrilling INEOS Team UK victory over Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli to win the Prada Cup Round Robins, with AUT Sailing Professor Mark Orams and Matt Brown. Video / NZME
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    By: Christopher Reive
    Christopher Reive is a sports reporter for NZME

    @chrisreive
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    Sir Ben Ainslie has suggested it is time for America's Cup syndicates to "put up or shut up" when it comes to filing complaints about their competitors' vessels.

    Ainslie's Ineos Team UK were stung with a complaint of non-compliance after the first weekend of Prada Cup racing by a fellow competitor. The complaint was upheld and the British syndicate were issued with a 'strike'.

    Should they receive another, they will be disqualified from an upcoming race.

    While Ainslie wouldn't go into details about what the complaint related to, Team UK were fined $5000 and had the outhaul system on their mainsail prohibited after Luna Rossa lodged a complaint of non-compliance after the opening day of racing last week.

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    "In this game, when there's a new class of boat, it's a tricky one because there's a relative amount of greyness in how things are measured and we're obviously relying massively on the measurement team to scrutinise our boat before we're given a certification for a round, but sometimes they miss something or sometimes a competitor asks a question about something that they notice," Ainslie said.

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    Sir Ben Ainslie onboard Ineos Team UK's 'Britannia'. Photo / Brett Phibbs.
    "So, we are on one strike. We actually think now we are three weeks into this competition, perhaps it's time for the teams to say 'OK, why don't we all look at our boats, have them scrutinised again as they have to be each round, and say it's time to either put up or shut up if you like in terms of complaints'.

    "Because to be disqualified for something that is not performance enhancing, when you race at this level, I don't think that's how the game should be played."

    Ainslie said he would be bringing the issue up at a meeting between the syndicates' skippers this week with the hopes of coming to a resolution before the start of the do or die component of the regatta.

    "I think it's a potential issue for all the teams, actually," Ainslie said.

    "Not just ourselves, but Team New Zealand as the Defenders, and I think we would like to see the teams come together and review it because, OK, we're the ones with an issue, we're the one team who have got a 'yellow card' if you like, but it could very easily be any of the other teams and I think these complaints that can be thrown in against one another can be a little bit churlish and, whilst it makes no difference to the performance of the boat, you end up being compromised.

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    Ineos Team UK were unbeaten on the water in the Prada Cup round robins. Photo / Dean Purcell
    "I don't think that's how the game should be played."

    With a win over Luna Rossa on Saturday, Ineos Team UK progressed into the Prada Cup final and will have two weeks before their next races.

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    Next weekend, Luna Rossa will meet American Magic in the Prada Cup semifinals, with the winner of the best of seven series moving on to the final of the Challengers Series the following week.

    The semifinals begin on Friday, with two races scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with race seven set for next Monday should it be required.
     
    #11
  12. kiwiqpr

    kiwiqpr Barnsie Mod

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    America's out

    Uk v italy to see who faces New Zealand for the trophy

    America's Cup 2021: Dean Barker reacts to American Magic's Prada Cup defeat and his America's Cup future
    30 Jan, 2021 09:30 PM4 minutes to read


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    Beyond the Cup - American Magic's campaign is all over after being whitewashed 4-0 by Luna Rossa in the Prada Cup semi-finals - Dean Barker reveals his thoughts. World champion sailor Phil Robertson joins AUT sailing Professor Mark Orams and Matt Brown to review all of the America's Cup news. Video / NZME / TVNZ
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    By: Michael Burgess
    Sports writer for NZME

    @mikeburgess99
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    Dean Barker is taking a wait and see approach to his future in the America's Cup, after the end of the American Magic campaign on Saturday.

    The New York based syndicate lost both races – the second after serious gear failure – to confirm a 4-0 Prada Cup semifinal defeat to Luna Rossa.

    Barker has been at the forefront of the American campaign, as the helmsman and a senior leader in the group, and the emotion was still raw hours after the race.

    Barker is one of the Cup's great survivors – he has helmed a boat in every regatta since 2000, apart from the Deed of Gift challenge in 2010 – but didn't know if he wanted to commit to another cycle.

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    "With these things you never think about the next thing, because all you are worried about is trying to win," said Barker. "Going out there today I still believed that we have a good opportunity to advance. We went out there with the right attitude and it wasn't to be.

    "It is going to take some time to reflect on all of this and to decide exactly what the right thing is to do next. You just don't give yourself a moment to think about that."

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    Dean Barker after American Magic's loss to Luna Rossa. Photo / Dean Purcell
    Barker admitted that the Cup quest was almost like a drug, but the 47-year-old also has family considerations.

    "The America's Cup will never be out of my system," said Barker. "[But] I can't really say what the future holds right now. It takes its toll for sure; I've got four kids and a wife that have been incredibly supportive over the many years and I really need to put some time into them as well...so who knows?

    "I really want to be a good dad, as well as compete, so we will see what happens."

    The New York syndicate were always underdogs heading into the Prada Cup semifinal, given the numerous issues following the near sinking less than two weeks ago.

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    But their competition ended on a sad note, with gear failure in the fourth race compounding their misery, as the foil cant system malfunctioned.

    It was difficult to take, for a team seen as the pre-Prada Cup favourites, and Barker was understandably emotional

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    "Pretty gutted to see it all end here," said Barker. "We obviously didn't have our best day yesterday and trying to get the thing back in the water and sailing in strong breeze was always going to be pretty challenging.

    "It was shaping up to be a good last race but to have the [foil] cant system issues was disappointing."

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    Dean Barker and the American Magic team dejected. Photo / Brett Phibbs
    Barker said the nine days of potential development they lost due to the capsize was ultimately terminal to their hopes.

    "The biggest issue you face is losing those days on the water, where ideally you would be continuing to develop," said Barker. "We probably underestimated what impact that may have had, when you see how much Luna Rossa has moved on."

    American Magic skipper Terry Hutchinson made it clear he would like to return for the 37th America's Cup – wherever it is – but said that was a decision for the team principals and the New York Yacht club.

    He also appeared to rule out any prospect of racing or training against Team New Zealand in the next few weeks.

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    "In fairness to all the competitors, my initial thought is that it is not the right thing to do," said Hutchinson. "We have to be respectful to Ineos and Luna Rossa as well. They have skin in the game, and my initial thought is that it doesn't feel like it would sit right. At that point you are just interfering with the future of the competition and that is not us."

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  13. kiwiqpr

    kiwiqpr Barnsie Mod

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    SPORT|Sailing
    America's Cup 2021: Ineos Team UK emerge looking strong after extended time in workshop
    6 Feb, 2021 12:00 PM2 minutes to read


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    Ineos Team UK has emerged looking strong after four days spent working on their boat in the confines of their team headquarters.

    Friday was the first time Britannia had been spotted on the Hauraki Gulf since last weekend as the team continues preparations for the start of the Prada Cup final.

    Britannia was spotted by sailing observer Justin Mitchell as it left Auckland's viaduct and sailed north towards Course E. His video shows the boat performing well in 10-12 knot winds, its stability and consistency on its foils a highlight of the footage.

    Prada Cup organisers intend to stage most of the races at Courses B, C and D - which provide close spectator viewing - but under certain conditions the more remote Course E could be required, so gaining some practice time on that course could prove crucial.
     
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  14. kiwiqpr

    kiwiqpr Barnsie Mod

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    Both Team UK and Luna Rossa are required to complete all modifications to their competing boats before an inspection on Monday, so this sail would likely have also been a test run of any tune-ups the technical crew have carried out this week.

    Team New Zealand were also spied on Course E, no doubt diligently preparing for their eventual clash with the winners of the Prada Cup in early March.

    The Prada Cup final consists of a seven-race series and begins February 13.
     
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  15. kiwiqpr

    kiwiqpr Barnsie Mod

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    If they win it here
    Stage it here

    America's Cup exclusive: Will the Cup stay in NZ, even if Team New Zealand wins?
    7 Feb, 2021 05:00 AM6 minutes to read
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    Team NZ bosses are looking for venues outside of New Zealand to host the next America's Cup should the team win this year. Photo / Brett Phibbs

    By: Carolyne Meng-Yee
    Investigative reporter, NZ Herald

    [email protected]@caromengyee
    Team New Zealand is seeking advice on the commercial landscape for the next America's Cup as speculation swirls that the competition is being "shopped around" to overseas venues.

    A well-placed source told the Herald on Sunday they understood Italian billionaire and businessman Matteo de Nora - the principal and long-time advocate of Team NZ - had been involved in considering potential venues outside this country for the next event.

    Qatar was tipped as one option while other possible locations included elsewhere in the Middle East, parts of Europe, and Singapore and China.

    "This is disloyal," the source said. "I think most New Zealanders would be upset. They are expected to cheer for New Zealand to win only to find out the whole country could be shafted because they [Team NZ] could collect money from somewhere else," he said.

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    Successive governments have previously helped bankroll Team NZ campaigns, based partly on the potential tourism bonanza a New Zealand defence generates.

    De Nora could not be reached for comment. In a statement to written questions from the Herald on Sunday, Emirates Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton said: "As a team, Emirates Team NZ has only ever existed and evolved to bring the America's Cup back to New Zealand to host.

    "Due to Covid-19, the world is clearly a different place to what it was after the last America's Cup in terms of staging of major sporting events as well as the entire commercial sponsorship market.

    "So as the current defender of the America's Cup, Emirates Team NZ has engaged an agency to research and assess the wider commercial environment globally and domestically to provide a future overview for the event and the team upon the completion of this 36th edition.

    "Of course, our total focus at this time is on the defence of the 36th America's Cup against what will ultimately be a formidable opponent. And any level of assumption on what the next level holds is premature given we haven't won this event yet."

    That opponent - either Prada Luna Rossa or Ineos Team UK - will face off against the Kiwi team next month for the America's Cup.

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    "As a team, Emirates Team New Zealand has only ever existed and evolved to bring the America's Cup back to New Zealand to host," said Grant Dalton. Photo / Michael Craig
    A spokesperson for the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment said they were not aware of any discussions between Team NZ and other venues.

    Tom Ehman, the former Vice Commodore of the Golden Gate Yacht club, and CEO of the Sailing Illustrated website, said he had heard rumours for months that the next cup event was being "shopped around".

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    "This is not a secret, it's been talked about in the sailing community for a couple of months and I put it out there on my show and no one pushed back, in fact, more people confirmed it. I knew about Qatar, Dubai, Bahrain and Malta, and Spain.

    "To shop it offshore is ridiculous and absurd. I can't believe your government and the business community in Auckland would allow this to happen."

    The seasoned international sailor who has been involved with the America's Cup since 1980 said it wasn't up to Team NZ to "shop around".

    "It's up to the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS), they are the trustees, not the team. It's not up to Emirates Team NZ, it's not up to Mr Dalton, who I have known for many years and have tremendous respect for," Ehman said.

    "I can't believe they are serious about using this as a bargaining chip because the RNZYS is the trustee and the defender - it's up to them to choose the venue."

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    Apart from two exceptions, the Cup has always been sailed in the defender's country.

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    In 2007, the America's Cup was held in Valencia because Switzerland is land-locked. Ten years later the American team Oracle staged the event in Bermuda.

    Ehman resigned as Vice Commodore of the Golden Gate Yacht Club in San Francisco based on that decision.

    "When Larry (Ellison) and Russell (Coutts) started shopping it around and it went offshore to Bermuda they got financial support but not local support. So, I quit.

    "We are an American club and we have to defend it in our country. When they said 'no, the club is going to shop it in Bermuda', I said 'count me out' and resigned," Ehman said.

    Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron Commodore Aaron Young said he was also aware of the rumours about the overseas venues for the next Cup.

    Young said it was "normal" that various venues were being touted to host the next America's Cup but stressed it was important to retain it first.

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    "The first and only objective at this stage is to win the America's Cup because unless you do, everything [else] is a little bit irrelevant."

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    Qatar has been touted as a possible venue. Photo / Getty Images
    Young initially told the Herald on Sunday that the RNZYS would ultimately decide where the next America's Cup would take place, but later clarified in a statement that Team NZ would also be involved.

    "Any decision around future America's Cup events or regattas will obviously be taken in collaboration between ETNZ and RNZYS," he said.

    Young's personal preference was for the sailing to remain in the country that wins the Cup and said it was in the host's venue agreement that Team NZ had an "exclusive negotiation" period in New Zealand.

    Leading sailing pundit Magnus Wheatley recently predicted that the next Cup would be in the Middle East.

    "With Covid still present, and the costs coming under intense scrutiny in government, a decision will be made to put the next venue out to tender and will attract a big money bid from Abu Dhabi backed by Dubai," the British sailing writer said.

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    "The Cup will go to the Middle East in 2025. Money doesn't talk, it screams."

    Both Wheatley and Ehman are backing Team NZ to win the Auld Mug.

    "The odds are Team NZ is the favourite - they have got what appears to be the best boat, the youngest, strongest, best sailing team," Ehman said.

    "Every time a defender wins it brings it back to a home advantage, they set the rules and have all the home support – I suspect for all those reasons ETNZ is set to win."
     
    #15
  16. kiwiqpr

    kiwiqpr Barnsie Mod

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    sport
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    america's cup




    Play Video
    STUFF
    Duncan Johnstone and Todd Niall review the first day of the Prada Cup final and hear from both teams.
    Sir Ben Ainslie and INEOS Team UK have been slammed for a "meek" display as the international sailing media dissected the opening day of the Prada Cup final.

    Luna Rossa head into Sunday's action with a chance to put one foot in the America's Cup match against Team New Zealand after two comprehensive victories on Saturday in the best of 13 series.

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    After establishing themselves as the team to beat by qualifying directly for the final, it was a big step back for Team UK and British expert Magnus Wheatley was stunned at how flat they looked for such a huge occasion.


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    "The script was not so much torn up as shredded on the opening day of the Prada Cup final after a performance from Ineos Team UK that was flatter than a pancake on Shrove Tuesday," Wheatley wrote in his Rule69blog.


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    * America's Cup: Sir Ben Ainslie down but not out as he pledges Team UK fightback
    * America's Cup: Slick Luna Rossa ordered to keep emotions in check after blitzing Brits

    "Any meeker and they could almost be accused of match-fixing. It was just odd. Out of character. Out of kilter. Almost like everyone got out of bed on the wrong side today. Zero bite to anything, the tails were down right from the off, leaving viewers and supporters deflated, bemused and dejected.

    "The boatspeed ghost of Christmas past came back to haunt with his evil friend the splashdown and there you have the tale of both races."

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    COR 36 | STUDIO BORLENGHI
    Sir Ben Ainslie and INEOS Team UK have had to regroup after a disappointing start to the challenger series final.
    The lower end of the wind range continues to be Team UK's Achilles heel as race one was virtually decided in the pre-start after Britannia splashed down after the first gybe, leaving Luna Rossa to cruise to a 1min 52sec victory.

    And even in the stronger winds of race two, there was little Team UK could do to rein in the Italians, who won by 26 seconds after a tight tussle in the start box.

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    Wheatley noted Ainslie, the most successful sailor in Olympic history and an America's Cup veteran, has a history of doing things the hard way and refused to write Britannia off.

    But they have their work cut out against a Luna Rossa outfit who have made major improvements since the teams last met in the round-robin stage.

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    RICKY WILSON/STUFF
    INEOS Team UK again showed that they struggle to be competitive in light winds.
    "On the face of it today, [Ainslie's] up against a Prada team that have nailed a knot more boatspeed upwind and that’s a Mike Tyson in-his-prime uppercut that is very hard to parry," Wheatley wrote.

    "On a course that offered few tactical opportunities, it was a test of sheer horsepower, especially in race two that exposed Ineos as deficient in speed whilst the beautiful detailing in the sail plan of Prada shone all day. The Italians looked to have a deeper combination that offered grunt and lift lower down that allowed them to fly faster and accelerate out of the tacks. Back to the drawing board for the Brits. The Lions weren’t roaring today."

    US news agency The Associated Press highlighted the physical modifications to Luna Rossa's race boat since their semifinal sweep of American Magic, including a new mast, new sail livery and improved aerodynamics.

    Combined with their sharp crew work and communication, Italian news service LiveMedia24 said Saturday's results would have left Team UK "seriously shaking".

    "The Italian team is constantly growing, technical and human; the good impressions had in the semi-final with NYYC American Magic are confirmed and enhanced in this first magical night," Roberto Tommasini wrote.

    "Luna Rossa continues to race in an exemplary manner, simple but very clean manoeuvres".

    However, with still five more victories required to finish the job, there was a tone of caution in Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, particularly if the wind continues to pick up.

    "Who will win?" asked La Gazzetta dello Sport's Gian Luca Pasini. "Even after the positive indications for the Italians on the first day, it continues to be an open-ended question, because the weather conditions in the next few days are very variable and could make the competition tougher and more spectacular.








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  17. kiwiqpr

    kiwiqpr Barnsie Mod

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    America's Cup 2021: Luna Rossa and INEOS Team UK to race on course E in day two action of Prada Cup final
    14 Feb, 2021 11:30 AM2 minutes to read


    Play Video
    Beyond the Cup - Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli claim the opening two victories over INEOS Team UK on day one of the Prada Cup Final. World champion sailor Phil Robertson is in studio with AUT Sailing Professor Mark Orams to recap all of the news from the day.
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    By: Michael Burgess
    Sports writer for NZME

    @mikeburgess99
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    Sailing fans in the east of Auckland could be in for a treat today.

    Course E will be used for the first time in the Prada Cup, allowing good vantage points from Bucklands Beach, Maraetai and Howick.

    Regatta director Iain Murray expects winds of between 14-16 knots for the first race between Luna Rossa and INEOS Team UK, which is scheduled for 4:15pm.

    READ MORE:
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    The best spots in Auckland to watch the Prada Cup races

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    Murray said he made the decision to use course E because of the expected sea state around most of the other possible courses, with swells of up to one metre possible.

    The predicted breeze looks consistent throughout the afternoon, and organisers are confident of both races being completed on Sunday.

    While course E has yet to be used for an official race – either in December's America's Cup world series or the Prada Cup – both INEOS Team UK and Luna Rossa are familiar with it.

    It has been used extensively for practice racing, and the teams were trialling out there last Friday.

    Murray described it as a "pure racecourse", on a good expansive piece of water.

    There may also be some more wind shifts today, allowing for more of a tactical battle, compared with the drag races that were witnessed on day one of the Prada Cup final.

    In the unlikely event that only one race is possible today, the next reserve day is Tuesday.

    The next scheduled race day is Wednesday, though Murray said that could be "challenging", with one long range forecast showing winds that could blow above the maximum limits of 21 knots.

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    #17
  18. kiwiqpr

    kiwiqpr Barnsie Mod

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    America's Cup 2021: Dominant Luna Rossa maintain perfect start to Prada Cup final
    14 Feb, 2021 05:45 PM2 minutes to read


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    Prada Cup Final - Day 2 - Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli continue their dominance over Ineos Team UK with two masterclass victories in races 3 and 4 to extend their overall lead to 4-0, in the best of 13 race series. Video / TVNZ
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    By: Christopher Reive
    Christopher Reive is a sports reporter for NZME

    @chrisreive
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    After four races in the Prada Cup final, Ineos Team UK are yet to lead a single leg.

    After dropping the first two races of the first-to-seven series against Luna Rossa yesterday, the British syndicate were again racing from behind all afternoon on Sunday; losing both races to fall 4-0 down in the series.

    Issues in the pre-start wrote the story for the British syndicate on Sunday.

    In the first race, they got into a bad position and Luna Rossa made them pay, while in the second race their vessel took to the air and had a spectacular splashdown which cost them time before the starting line.

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    Ineos Team UK take to the air during pre-start manoeuvres in race four. Photo / Brett Phibbs
    As has been the case throughout the Prada Cup, winning the start has often led to winning the race and today was no different.

    Luna Rossa were solid in the starting box and got under way nicely.

    While they might be critical of a couple of their manoeuvres, the Italians sailed very well – reading the conditions and sailing to suit them.

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    There were plenty of tight moments in both races, despite Luna Rossa's overall dominance. Photo / Brett Phibbs
    With a 4-0 lead, Luna Rossa are more than halfway towards booking their place in the America's Cup match, while Team UK have plenty of work to do from here.

    The teams will now get a two-day break from racing before the competition resumes on Wednesday.
     
    #18
  19. kiwiqpr

    kiwiqpr Barnsie Mod

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    America's Cup 2021: Prada Cup final postponed due to Auckland Covid-19 lockdown
    15 Feb, 2021 05:26 AM2 minutes to read


    Play Video
    Beyond the Cup: Prada Cup Final - Day 2 - Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli extend their victorious run to 4-0 over Ineos Team UK after dominating races 3 & 4. Round the world ocean sailor Bianca Cook is in studio with AUT Sailing Professor Mark Orams and Cheree Kinnear to recap all of the news from the day's races.
    NZ Herald

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    The Prada Cup final between Luna Rossa and Ineos Team UK has been postponed.

    Racing was set to continue on Wednesday, but the news that Auckland - where the races are being held - has moved into level 3 lockdown will see the final pushed back.

    The news was announced after the conclusion of racing this afternoon, once the Government had released the new alert levels.

    "As a result of the Government announcement of level three lockdown in Auckland, initially for 72 hours, the next scheduled race day has been postponed and the event will not be open to the public during this time," a statement said.

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    "America's Cup Event will be working with the authorities and relevant agencies over the next few days to work through the ongoing ramifications."

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    Ineos Team UK and Luna Rossa will not be racing on Wednesday. Photo / Michael Craig
    Ineos Team UK skipper Sir Ben Ainslie backed the decision.

    "We will do whatever the authorities advise us to do. Of course it's more important that people are safe and healthy, so we'll just see what happens.

    "It's bad news, it's a timely reminder of what the world's going through isn't it? We're very fortunate to be out here doing a yacht race which we all love, so it's a difficult situation."

    Luna Rossa hold a 4-0 lead in the best-of-13 series, with two races a day having been scheduled for Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and one next Monday.

    With Luna Rossa only needing three more wins for victory, it is possible, depending on lockdown restrictions, that the final could still conclude within that scheduled timeframe.
    However, with the level three restrictions set to be reviewed regularly, it is yet to be decided when racing will continue.

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    14 Feb, 2021 11:30 AMQuick Read
    Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the Cup organisers will be taking a "wait and see" approach to their planning.

    "They already have Thursday as a postponement day, they haven't confirmed when the next race will be.

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    "I imagine they will be doing exactly what the rest of New Zealand is doing and keeping an eye out on the new information that comes to hand."

    The winner of the Prada Cup final is set to take on Team New Zealand in the America's Cup match next month.
     
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  20. kiwiqpr

    kiwiqpr Barnsie Mod

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    36th America's Cup: INEOS TEAM UK secure vital race victory in PRADA Cup Final series
    The British outfit won race six to go into Sunday's racing with a five-to-one deficit; the first-to-seven wins PRADA Cup Final series continues on Sunday, with races seven and eight from 3am on Sky Sports Main Event and Mix, repeated at 8am
    By Emma Thurston

    12:04, UK, Saturday 20 February 2021

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    Watch the highlights as INEOS TEAM UK secured a vital win in race six of the PRADA Cup Final series
    INEOS TEAM UK secured a vital race victory in the PRADA Cup Final series, during another enthralling day of America's Cup action in Auckland.

    After nearly a week of debate and conversation surrounding the future schedule of the PRADA Cup Final series, and whether its conclusion would happen on the water, the attention turned back to tactics and race strategies.

    Going into the day's racing, Sir Ben Ainslie's team were on the wrong end of a four-nil deficit in this decisive first-to-seven-wins series. This series is a straight knockout between the British outfit and their Italian rivals, and after those four successive losses, Ainslie and his sailing team arrived with the mindset of focusing on each race as it came.

    With lighter airs predicted, and the knowledge that race wins needed to arrive quickly, INEOS TEAM UK's crew outfit showed outstanding poise to hold their nerve when it mattered most on Saturday.

    Earlier in the series, Ainslie had said to Sky Sports that they "needed to take more risks" if they were going to beat Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. However, during races three and four, pushing the tempo arrived with costly mistakes.

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    On this occasion, even though INEOS TEAM UK were penalised in race five which gave Luna Rossa the advantage they needed to claim another victory, by one minute and 20 seconds, it sent a clear message to Francesco Bruni and Jimmy Spithill that the Brits meant business.

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    Take a look back at race five which included a dramatic pre-start between INEOS TEAM UK and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli
    The second race of the day (race six) was a corker and it showcased the best of the personnel on board both boats.

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    Following even starts, INEOS TEAM UK read the course well and after securing an eight-second lead at gate one, they held onto their favoured position on the course.

    With a 32-second advantage going into the final lap, British fans watching at home may have been quietly confident. However, a shift in the breeze and a drop in its strength created a nail-biting finish.

    With every moment, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli closed in on their rivals, but Ainslie and his team stayed focused. They sailed cleanly and ultimately had done enough to be able to cross the finish line in front for the first time in this PRADA Cup Final series.

    PRADA Cup Final - Races Five and Six
    Race Five Race Six
    Course: E Course: E
    Current: 0.2 knots @ 353 Current: 0.2 knots @ 353
    Wind: 8-10 knots Wind: 8-12knots
    Winner: Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli – 1:20 Winner: INEOS TEAM UK - 0:14

    "The team did a great job. They just don't give up, they are going to keep fighting all the way. We got one back, we needed it," Ainslie said on the water afterwards.

    "I think it seems to be that on 13 knots and above, the boats are pretty even, but beneath that, we struggle. They know, and we know, that is the challenge.

    "I can't say enough about the team, they have been great. When the wind dies down, it's a tricky situation, Giles did a great job there, we were concerned we might be losing it there."

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    Sir Ben Ainslie analyses races five and six of the PRADA Cup Final series and says that INEOS TEAM UK need to survive on Sunday in order to reach the stronger wind conditions
    Scott: Sights still fixed on winning series
    At the end of the day's racing, despite still having a mountain to climb, INEOS TEAM UK's tactician Giles Scott shared that their determination remains stronger than ever.

    "We want to take this series all the way. We absolutely still have our sights on winning this," he said. "Luna Rossa are 5-1 up now, it's in their favour as they have two to win and we've got six. It's as simple as that.

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    Image:The British outfit remain focused on reeling this series back in (Image - COR 36 | Studio Borlenghi)
    "If we get through tomorrow in that light breeze, then there's a big change in the weather and that's what we've got our sights on. We need to get through tomorrow and then get into some windy racing."

    For Ainslie, the tactic to really attack Luna Rossa during the pre-start in race five (which picked up penalties) is one that he didn't regret. Instead, he said that it showed what type of team they are.

    "It's part of racing, you take those decisions at the time," he said about receiving the penalties. "In the lighter airs, you've got to push hard."

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    I'm not the kind of person and we're not the kind of team, that are just going to sit there and just let someone sail away from us. We're going to get stuck in and if that means taking some risks, then I'd rather race that way than just let someone get away.
    Sir Ben Ainslie (Image - COR 36 | Studio Borlenghi)
    After securing their first victory of this PRADA Cup Final series, Ainslie shared what it meant to the entire outfit.

    "I was really proud of the team - the boys on the boat and everyone at the base," he said.

    "Our shore team, in particular, are working incredible hours to get the boat as perfect as it can be, and the designers are working with us as sailors to get maximum performance out of the boat.

    "So that was a really big race for the whole team. It [a win] helps, it gives us some momentum going into tomorrow and we all know that in sport, momentum is a pretty powerful thing."

    The series now continues with races seven and eight on Sunday, and it will continue with two races each day until one team reaches seven victories.

    Watch every moment of the America's Cup challenge, live on Sky Sports. Coverage continues with the PRADA Cup Final on Sunday from 3am on Sky Sports Main Event and Mix, repeated at 8am.
     
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