GBR win a point

After nearly failing to turn up on start line

The victory that almost wasn't (GBR v Le Defi Areva)

In one of the closest matches of the America’s Cup competition so far, GBR Challenge defeated Le Defi Areva by 13 seconds after overcoming serious technical difficulties. The British team were facing a tough task at the start of the race, as mainsail problems forced them to be late into the starting box, thereby incurring a penalty.

Peter Harrison’s men managed to offload this at the windward mark, as the French incurred a penalty for tacking in front of them, with an additional penalty given for an incident at the mark. The French team then led around the course, but Wight Lightning overtook as FRA69 was completing their penalty turn just prior to the finish line much to the delight of the British spectator vessels.

After a long delay waiting for the wind, the Race Committee made a late decision to stage a race, just within the 4pm deadline. As the fresh breeze built to 14 knots, the GBR Challenge team decided to change to a heavier mainsail, but encountered problems with the bottom batten as they hoisted. After 5 minutes of rapid maintenance, the team were unable to fix the problem and instead opted to leave the batten out. The problem caused Wight Lightning to sail upwind of the start, so as the five minute gun went, GBR 70 started sailing back towards the line. Unfortunately for the British team, they were unable to enter the box within the requisite two minutes, leading to a penalty.

As GBR 70 sailed towards the line, FRA 69 came out to engage the British team. After a brief dial up, Wight Lightning managed to sail around the French boat and led back towards the line, crossing at full speed seconds after the gun. FRA 69 crossed to windward but slightly behind. GBR Challenge’s speed was affected by the missing batten on the long drag race on port tack, as the wind swung around to the left. Le Defi crept ahead, but the British team stayed within touch.

Three boat lengths from the leeward mark GBR 70 luffed FRA 69, and as both boats headed into the wind, the French team tacked in GBR Challenge’s water, leading to a penalty that was then added to at an incident around the mark.

From there, GBR 70 stayed close to Le Defi around the course, ensuring that the French team didn’t get far enough ahead to complete their turn.

Deltas:
1st Windward Mark FRA 69 led by 13 seconds
1st Leeward Mark FRA 69 led by 6 seconds
2nd Windward Mark FRA 69 led by 12 seconds
2nd Leeward Mark FRA 69 led by 11 seconds
3rd Windward Mark FRA 69 led by 25 seconds
Finish GBR 70 won by 13 seconds

Tomorrow sees GBR Challenge take on Russell Coutts Swiss team.