Dry run
America's Cup teams finally size each other up in a series of practice starts in Auckland to test sailing conditions.
09 December 2020
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Emirates Team New Zealand and the America’s Cup challengers got in some invaluable starting practice in Auckland for the upcoming America’s Cup World Series.
It was a clash of the titans out on the Waitemata Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf. On Tuesday, Emirates Team New Zealand got first crack at course E, situated off Bucklands Beach, followed by American Magic, Luna Rossa and INEOS Team UK.
There is less than a week to the first official race of this 36th America’s Cup, and there is only a handful of test days for teams to prepare.
The teams’ new AC75s were put through their paces, and they proved valuable hours for the syndicates in determining what tactics to use during actual racing. For the crew, it presented the first time they were officially allowed to engage each other on the water.
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Emirates Team New Zealand and New York Yacht Club American Magic engaged in a series of practice starts, and at times conducted unofficial drag races.
Luna Rossa has had its own encounters with Emirates Team New Zealand, and showed the early competitiveness of the America’s Cup teams.
Considering the high speed these AC75s are racing at, getting a clean start off the line with be critical to a team’s success.
While some teams looked relatively comfortable handling their boats, there is plenty to work on before they go head-to-head.
INEOS Team UK retired early from their practice run after suffering damage, suggesting that they are still working out the kinks in their new boat.
Time is out running out for the teams to get a handle of their flying 75-foot yachts before the real competition kicks off.
Other practice sessions for the rest of the week will continue next Monday and Tuesday, before official racing starts on 17 December.
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