We have a winner! After 19 races, 15 days of racing, Oracle Team USA successfully defended the America’s cup. A week ago, nobody excepted that. Jimmy Spithill was the only one giving Oracle much chances. I have personally been in multiples meetings planning for the ceremony where Team New Zealand was excepted to win that day.
Today was a winner take-all race. Team New Zealand took a great start but we have learned yesterday that Oracle’s boat is now faster in the upwind leg. Oracle kept it close until Mark 2, and then made its move and passed Dean Barker’s boat. After that they sailed to victory.
An interesting bit we learned during the press conference, Oracle broke an actuator on its wing right before the start and they glue it back right then. Amazingly, it worked.
Congratulations to Team USA for defending the cup and to Team New Zealand for being the best runner-up in the America’s cup.
Larry Ellison did not say if the Cup will be challenged in San Francisco again but he said that it would like that. We have also learned that they have received an official challenge request already. A challenger of record has been named. The 35th America’s Cup in on.
Team New Zealand losing race 19 and the America’s cup.
Team New Zealand last salute.
Oracle Team USA winning the America’s cup in race 19
A great team, respect Mr. Dean Barker.
Farewell Team New Zealand.
Jimmy Spithill and its crew lifting the America’s cup in San Francisco
Larry Ellison defending succesfully the America’s cup.
Champagne for everyone
Detail of one of the jacket of Oracle Team USA
Ceremony of the 34th America’s cup
The trophy.
Jimmy Spithill and Larry Ellison after winning the 34th America’s cup.
That was my birthday and this is a day I will remember for ever.