A Royal Second for Emirates Team New Zealand

A Royal Second for Emirates Team New Zealand

The weather had the final say at the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series in Portsmouth with racing abandoned for the day after wind was blowing up to 30 knots out on the race course which was deemed to dangerous for the fleet of foiling AC45F’s

The decision by the race committee that yesterdays results equate to the final standings at this first event with Emirates Team New Zealand ending up a narrow 2nd, just a single point behind the local favorites Land Rover BAR Racing, and two points ahead of America’s Cup defenders Oracle Team USA.

Speaking about the decision to call off racing, helmsman Peter Burling said, “Its just part of our sport, you can’t control the weather- officials deemed it unsafe so we cant go racing. Obviously a little disappointed not to be able to go out and give it another crack to take the overall win but really happy to have come in second in this first America’s Cup event.”
“But in the end it was really pleasing for us to put together two solid races like we did yesterday. Congratulations must go to Land Rover BAR for winning, but of course it was really pleasing for us to beat the current America’s Cup holders Oracle Team USA, who have been doing more sailing than most, in our first event as a new team.”

The second placed result was by no means beyond the ability of the new Emirates Team New Zealand crew, but not necessarily expected given the amount of time the team has had actually had on the water.

“We are absolutely wrapped with our second position,” said skipper Glenn Ashby. “There are a lot of other teams out there that have been doing a lot more sailing than we have in the last 18 months. So for our 10th day of sailing effectively to be able to come away with a second place out of the fleet we are very pleased.”

“In saying that, we have a huge amount to work on going forward once we get back to NZ. We have massive room for improvement in so many areas.”
“This event in Portsmouth has been a really solid platform to spring from for the next few years. Sailing with the young guys has been fantastic, the mix of experience and youth has proved to be a great recipe for success for the the future.” Ashby concluded.

The most of the team now return to New Zealand, while Burling and Tuke head for Rio for the 49er Olympic test event where they will look to continue their unbeaten run in the class to 19 straight wins.

Meanwhile the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge reacquainted themselves with the team when they visited the Emirates Team New Zealand base today to visit a host of dignitaries, including Emirates Airline President Sir Tim Clark.

FINAL RESULTS
1) Land Rover BAR (19 points)
2) Emirates Team New Zealand (18 points)
3) Oracle Team USA (16 points)
4) Groupama Team France (13 points)
5) Softbank Team Japan (13 points
6) Artemis Racing (11 points)

Pictures HERE

ends

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