“We’re the underdogs,” says Ainslie, “with everything to gain.” America’s Cup latest news
Ben Ainslie has spoken out ahead of the start of the final series of the America’s Cup. What was once almost a mythical date on the horizon is now right in front of the teams as they make final preparations.
Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) will be defending the America’s Cup for an unprecedented 3rd consecutive time while INEOS Britannia seeks to make history as the first British team in 173 years to win the cup back.
“Of course it’s going to be seriously hard against the Kiwis,” Ainslie says.
“They’re a class outfit. They’ve got a great sailing team . . . . but we’ve also got a great team you know. We know what it takes to win at this level.. . . we’re the underdogs in this.”
Ainslie continues on Facebook: “The Kiwis are the most successful team in the recent history of the cup. They’ve got an amazing outfit. They’re in the final, they’ve had this time to develop their boat and prepare. But we’re up for being the underdog and for that challenge. There’s nothing to lose here and everything to gain.”
The start of the final races takes place tomorrow, 12 October.
Browse the latest the America’s Cup news.
Ainslie says: “The America’s Cup is steeped in history and is the one sporting trophy Britain has never won. We are aiming to change that and end 173 years of hurt. It will undoubtedly be one hell of a challenge, but we are up for a fight. We are hugely appreciative of all the support we’ve had so far, from everyone at home and in Barcelona cheering us on.”
But while Ainslie may believe his team are the underdogs, at least they’ve been racing. Here INEOS’ coach Ian Williams explains tactics (“you just have to finish ahead of your opponent”) and how to slow the opposition down.
What has Emirates Team New Zealand been up to?
It’s been just over a month since Emirates Team New Zealand last raced – a long time to be sitting on the sidelines, watching INEOS Britannia get increasingly battle-hardened during some extremely tight racing across a range of conditions.
“There’s been a huge amount that’s gone on in the last three years to get to this point,” says ETNZ CEO Kevin Shoebridge. “We feel like we’re in a good place. We’ve worked ourselves into the position we wanted to be in and in a state of readiness, so we just need to go out there and hopefully get some great conditions, sail well and have a good regatta.”
“The pressure is immense,” says ETNZ skipper skipper Peter Burling. “But for us, we just want to race. We’ve had a few weeks off racing, so we are really looking forward to getting out there.”
His team’s been working on stepping forward in a number of performance areas to nail critical moments and eliminate mistakes.
“We’ve been pushing right to the end,” says Burling. “The boat is in absolutely awesome shape. I’m looking forward to getting out there. Both teams will come out swinging, and it will definitely be some awesome action.
“INEOS have obviously really proven themselves through the challenger series, so they’re in great form, but we’re looking forward to being up for the challenge we have ahead of us.”
They say that it’s the fastest boat that wins the America’s Cup, and that it’s won in the ten years prior to the race. But, says Matt Sheahan, this time it looks like close quarters combat is going to be a big part of it too. He thinks that the teams will be locking horns from the outset with the potential to to gain advantage during close-quarter combat including the pre-start, the start, tacking duels, mark roundings – in fact – every corner of the course and more. That’ll be kept a close eye on from the umpire’s room – where decisions are made remotely (umpire boats can no longer keep up with the yachts – they’re too fast).
Watch as Sheahan explains tactics and rules.
This article was edited on 11 October to include an additional quote from Ben Ainslie.
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