- New Zealand secures favorable position in America's Cup competition
New Zealand's defensive squad cemented their preferred position for the 37th America's Cup with a triumph. In Barcelona, Emirates Team New Zealand snatched the third and conclusive preliminary race prior to the main spectacle. In the initial skirmish against the futuristic-looking AC75 boats of the second generation, the Kiwis emerged victorious in the round-robin, securing four triumphs and a single defeat against the US yacht "Patriot".
In the exhilarating final of the Louis Vuitton preliminary race, the four-time trophy holders from New Zealand outmaneuvered Italy. Four days prior to the launch of the challenger series for the 37th America's Cup, the opening event also witnessed outstanding performances from the American team NYYC American Magic and Sir Ben Ainslie's Team Ineos Britannia, finishing in fourth and fifth place respectively, surpassing Alinghi Red Bull Racing and the French Orient Express Racing Team.
The Louis Vuitton Cup commences on August 29, signifying the beginning of over a month-long challenger series: the struggle for the privilege to challenge the New Zealand Cup defenders in the 37th duel set to begin on October 12. The program for Barcelona's Super Sailing Summer Cup incorporates the Youth America's Cup (September 17-26) and the groundbreaking first Women's America's Cup (October 5-13). Unlike the America's Cup, these events will also include German teams.
The Kiwis began their dominance in the challenger series with a win in the first leg of the Louis Vuitton Cup. Following their victory, Emirates Team New Zealand aimed to maintain this momentum throughout the multi-week competition.
