America’s Cup: Halftime is Over

The competition for the 35th America’s Cup returned to the race course this weekend to learn what can happen after a five day halftime delay. With the first four races completed on June 17 and 18, we waited all week, anticipation building, for what the second half would bring.

Would the defender Oracle Team USA find more speed? Could the sailors survive another week of moped riding in Bermuda? Can more musical performers be added to the entertainment schedule?

The answer: yes, yes, and yes.

While the island of Bermuda will have to wait to learn if their America’s Cup investment pays off, winds of 8 to 10 knots on the Great Sound were enough to keep the event on schedule. Here’s the update:

June 24: After losing the first four races in the 35th America’s Cup, Oracle Team USA came out swinging today against challenger Emirates Team New Zealand. While their boat was clearly faster, unforced errors by the team continue to hold them back. The technical tools of race management were in full use, and while the defender ate penalties in one race, they showed grit to win the other. Full story and video here.

June 25: After facing new life from the America’s Cup defender yesterday, the challenger Emirates Team New Zealand counter-punched today, winning both races in convincing fashion. In what was anticipated to be a kiwi weakness, the challenger made Oracle Team USA look like the rookies on the start line, and flawless tactics kept them ahead at every mark. Full story and video here.

The America’s Cup Match now stands at 6-1 to Emirates Team New Zealand who need only one more race to take the ‘Auld Mug’ back to their home country. The next race day is June 26 and will continue daily thereafter until there is a winner (first to 7 points). The early forecast expects more downrange winds of 8 to 12 knots.

Event details – Results – Facebook

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