This edition of the America's Cup might have had a slow build up, but there's no denying that the while the challenger series might have been something of a damp squib, the final has delivered some spectacular moments. What seemed for a while destined to be a one-horse race, has ramped up to a thrilling climax as the Kiwis, leading now 7-1 in the first to nine points series, demonstrate how easily the Cup could be lost in just one move.

The video below shows some of the most dramatic moments so far - the top America's Cup  thrills and spills not forgetting the tragedy that struck before the competition began. Bart you're not forgotten (see Tragic Loss of British Sailing Legend Andrew Simpson).

 


 

The America's Cup story so far


Oracle Team USA had a shaky start - already starting two points behind thanks to a penalty for rule contravention in the America's Cup World Series - and pulled the 'postponement card' to enable them to regroup (attracting plenty of criticism not to mention teasing - see Spoof Video: Spithill and Coutts – the Portaloo Request). But then they brought on a certain Sir Ben Ainslie - and although things didn't improve immediately with regards to results, the team (with just one US team member) seemed much happier and stronger as a result.

Then the Kiwis showed their vulnerability. A near capsize left Emirates Team New Zealand supporters with their hearts in their mouths - had they gone over it would surely have been game over, but they managed to recover, losing the race but living to fight on.

Then in Race 10 the lead changed hands four times in the 10-nautical mile race and the four mark roundings had deltas of three seconds, 11 seconds, one second and 11 seconds.

“If you didn’t enjoy today’s racing you should probably watch another sport,” said Emirates Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker, competing in his fourth America’s Cup.

“I can honestly say this is the most fun and exciting sailing I’ve been involved with,” said Oracle Team tactician Ben Ainslie, a four-time Olympic gold medalist.

The teams meet again tomorrow evening UK time (first race scheduled for 2110 - watch live on the America's Cup Youtube channel) with two races scheduled - the Kiwis could secure victory, but the question is will they, or will we see Oracle continue to claw their long way back. Prepare for some exciting racing and more America's Cup thrills and spills.

 

America's Cup Thrills and Spills

America's Cup Thrills and Spills: Emirates Team New Zealand nosedives.



 

 

Written by: Gael Pawson
Gael Pawson is the editor of Yachts & Yachting Magazine and the founder of Creating Waves. A keen racer, she has sailed all her life, and started writing about the subject whilst studying journalism at university. Dinghies and small keelboats are her first loves, but she has cruised and raced a huge variety of boats in locations across the world.