34th America’s Cup: Postponed With Kiwis on Match Point

San Francisco, CA (September 18, 2013) – Defender Oracle Team USA was still in the 34th America’s Cup… barely. With a loss in the 11th race earlier in the day, the mountain to maintain possession of the Auld Mug had gotten taller. The Kiwis were now one win from taking the match, and the American team still needed 8 wins.

The good news for the American team is they had the port entry, which has proven to be important, particularly with the ebb tide now flowing at 3 knots. Control of the leeward end of the start line has been the ticket to leading at mark one. Except the Kiwis had another plan.

As the defender took the proven course down low into the start box, the Kiwis took a position high and far back of the line. It would be a new tactic to overcome the disadvantage of the starboard entry, and it almost worked.

As the defender creeped up to the line, the challenger pulled the trigger, going full throttle and taking a windward track. The defender tried to get up and block them, even protesting, but the umpires waved it off. The Kiwis were set to get a smoking start except for one thing.

The wind limit was exceeded at T-minus 33 seconds. Denied!

Racing was soon called for the day, postponing Race 12 until Thursday.

Can Oracle Team USA survive another day? Can the Kiwi nation survive another day?

Tune in tomorrow – same Bat-time, same Bat-channel!

Click here for all race reports.

Eleven Completed Races – First team to 9 Points Wins
Emirates Team New Zealand: 8
Oracle Team USA: 1*
* Began series with -2 points due to International Jury penalty from AC World Series.

America’s Cup Final schedule
Wednesday, Sept. 18: Race 11 (1:15 pm PT), Race 12 (2:15 pm PT); Race 12 postponed
Thursday, Sept. 19: Race 12 (1:15 pm PT), Race 13* (2:15 pm PT)
Friday, Sept. 20: Race 14* (1:15 pm PT), Race 15* (2:15 pm PT)
Saturday, Sept. 21: Race 16* (1:15 pm PT), Race 17* (2:15 pm PT)
Sunday, Sept. 22: Race 18* (1:15 pm PT), Race 19* (2:15 pm PT)
Monday, Sept. 23: Reserve Day
(*If necessary)