The comeback kid
The America’s Cup World Series Auckland gave the world its first glimpse of AC75 racing in December. And against the expectations of some, it produced real racing, with aggressive startline manoeuvring, high-speed tacking duels, fascinating tactical battles up the course and close finishes. Throughout, the AC75s showed their pace, with straight line speeds of more than 40 knots and no skipper giving any quarter despite breathtaking closing speeds.
It boded well for those in Europe intending to get up at 3am to watch the Prada Cup in January and February and then the America’s Cup in March.
After the warm-up regatta in December, called the America’s Cup World Series, the New Zealand, American and Italian fans all went away happy, knowing their teams were on the pace and had boats that could win the America’s Cup.
It was not a happy experience, however, for British fans, with INEOS Team UK finishing bottom of
