Barcelona, Spain (October 8, 2024) – After a lack of wind yesterday cancelled racing, the fourth day of the Women’s America’s Cup had a heavy load as both Group A and Group B had four races each to complete the qualifying stage of the event. That didn’t happen… more on that later.
Overnight storms gave way to a westerly Atlantic airflow that bent round the iconic Barcelona landmark, creating a shifty, puffy, and difficult-to-read racecourse. Starting with the independent teams in Group B, they faced breeze going from 19 knot puffs to dead calm – and even saw the abandonment and re-running of the seventh race.
It was somewhat of a surprise to see the Swedish team start the day in fourth place overall, despite having been tipped for success before the tournament. But as the only team in their group to have significant training time in the AC40, they put that experience to work and scored four race wins from four races. After eight races, Sweden moved from fourth to first in the standings.
“I think we just put everything together out there today and finally got to show what we’ve been training for all summer,” said Swedish starboard helm Vilma Bobeck. “We still have a few things to go over that we can improve on further but we’re just looking forward to the semis now.”
Talking about the conditions, Bobeck noted how the massive range of both wind and shifts kept them on their toes. “Having our heads out of the boat was for sure a winning move and it suited us very well as both me and Julia (Gross) are from a small lake up in Stockholm where it’s just like this, so it felt almost like sailing at home!”
Behind the Swedish, the battle continued for the remaining two podium places that would also advance. Overnight leaders Netherlands steadily improved through the session and confirmed their runners-up spot and place in the Semi-Finals, leaving a battle raging behind them between Spain and Australia.
For the Australians, though, it was the toughest of days. From the outset they appeared out of sorts with the boat and struggled to shift gears – one moment outstanding, the next off the pace. While Spain was also struggling for consistency, the local team scored the necessary results when it mattered.
Going into the final race, a three-point buffer for the Spanish meant nothing was certain, especially given the proven talent onboard the Australian boat, but a match-race to the finish on the final leg ensued and Spain sailed brilliantly to prevail and secure themselves the final podium place.
Today’s schedule was originally for eight races across the two groupings but the Canadians incurred a significant hydraulics failure to the foil system before their second race which not only sidelined the team, but also prevented the boat’s use by the Group A teams.
The Group A final four races will now be held October 10, with the top three advancing to face Sweden, Netherlands, and Spain in the 4-race semi-finals.
Format: Twelve teams are split into two groups of six for an initial fleet race series in the AC40s. The top three teams from each side after eight races will race together in four fleet races to decide the top-two crews and from there it’s a one-race, winner-takes-all for the title.
Viewing details – Race information – Results – Weather forecast
Following the publication of the AC37 Protocol and AC75 Class Rule on November 17, 2021, the AC75 Class Rule and AC Technical Regulations were finalized on March 17, 2022. The entry period was from December 1, 2021 until July 31, 2022, but late entries for the 37th America’s Cup could be accepted until May 31, 2023. The Defender was to announce the Match Venue on September 17, 2021 but postponed the reveal, finally confirming Barcelona on March 30, 2022. The 37th America’s Cup begins October 12, 2024.
Teams revealed to challenge defender Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL):
• INEOS Britannia (GBR)
• Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI)
• Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (ITA)
• NYYC American Magic (USA)
• Orient Express Racing Team (FRA)
2023-24 Preliminary Regattas
September 14-17, 2023 (AC40): Vilanova i la Geltrú, Spain
November 30-December 2 (AC40): Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
August 22-25, 2024 (AC75): Barcelona, Spain
2024 Louis Vuitton Cup Challenger Selection Series*
August 29-September 9: Double Round Robin
September 14-19: Semi Finals (Best of 9)
September 26-October 7: Finals (Best of 13)
*Team New Zealand competes in the round robin stage only, but the results of their races were not included in the challenger leaderboard.
2024 America’s Cup
October 12-27: 37th Match (Best of 13)
For competition details, click here.
Additionally, 12 teams will compete in the Youth America’s Cup and Women’s America’s Cup.
Noticeboard: https://ac37noticeboard.acofficials.org/
Event details: www.americascup.com/en/home
Source: ACE, SSN – https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2024/10/08/lottery-winds-at-womens-americas-cup/
