Another amazing day at the 34th America’s cup today! That was day 14, races number 17 and 18 if you were counting. The improbable comeback of Oracle Team USA from a 7 point deficit to tie Team New Zealand 8 all, happened today.
The kiwis have been on match point since last Wednesday, Sept 18 but are now risking of losing the cup. Only twice before in the history of the cup that they had a winner take-all final.
Race 17 was won by Jimmy Spithill at the start by getting under Team New Zealand boat and forcing a bear away. Dean Barker did not want to give in, so the two boats actually touched (and both need a new paint job). Team New Zealand got two penalties for that but also were left stopped in the water, while Team USA was flying to the first mark. The result a 28 seconds lead at the first mark and no chance to catch up.
Race 18 was more contested and Dean Barker got the best of Team USA at the start and the first mark but the improbable happened in the down wind leg, Team USA passed them and kept increasinge their lead up to a 1000m.
Oracle Team USA winning race 18 to tie the race 8-8 with Team New Zealand.
Splash zone ahead
It seems that no matter what Team New Zealand does, Oracle has now a faster boat, catches up and beats them. It really felt like the beginning of the America’s cup when Oracle Team USA could not stop the kiwis. Now the roles are reversed and it’s not a good sign for tomorrow.
Even Dean Barker acknowledges it during the press conference: “It was the first time that we recognized there was a condition where maybe we aren’t as strong as we need to be. It’s tough. We’re doing all we can, the guys never gave up, but clearly the Oracle guys were going well in that stuff.”
A happy Jimmy Spithill
Poor Dean Barker, he can’t stop the Americans