Slow start for Oracle Racing Spithill as Emirates Team New Zealand leads on Day 1 of America’s Cup
Day 1 of America’s Cup World Series (ACWS) was a slow start for the Oracle Racing Spithill, as the team finished the day at third place in ACWS preliminaries at Plymouth. On the other
hand, Emirates Team New Zealand retained its lead on Day one with two first positions and a third in the three races of the day and are currently on top of the standings with 28 points.
The preliminary round of America’s Cup World Series was a thrilling display for the spectators who gathered at Plymouth waters. The weather conditions over the racing area were quite ideal
for a superb sail, as the breeze blew from around 15 to 20 knots with heavy gusts. However, the winds became lighter in the afternoon.
The Oracle Racing Spithill sailed convincingly on Day 1, winning the second race to finish third overall with 26 points as the nine boat AC45 fleet set sail. Meanwhile, Oracle Racing Russell
Coutts squad topped the 500 mile speed trial successfully on Sunday, September 10.
While speaking to the local media at the end of Day 1, Oracle Racing Spithill skipper James Spithill said, “It was a fantastic turn-out today, really impressive. The conditions were pretty
nice. It seemed like a long day on the water. For the guys in the crew, there are a lot of sore muscles. For the driver, you feel it in the legs through hiking.”
Oracle Racing CEO Russell Coutts added, “It was fantastic first day. There were a lot people watching and Plymouth proved it was a great choice for a venue. The starts were not very good
today but we learnt some things today, so that was good.”
The overall standings at the end of Day 1 are given below:
1. Emirates Team New Zealand 1, 3, 1 - 28 points
2. Artemis Racing 3, 2, 2 - 26 points
3. ORACLE Racing Spithill 2, 1, 4 - 26 points
4. Aleph Sailing 4, 7, 5 - 17 points
5. China Team 6, 5, 6 - 16 points
6. ORACLE Racing Coutts OCS, 4, 3 - 15 points
7. Energy Team 8, 6, 7 - 12 points
8. Team Korea 5, DNF, 8 - 12 points
9. Green Comm Racing 7, 8, 9 - 10 points
ACWS Plymouth 500 Speed Trial – Sunday September 10
1. ORACLE Racing Coutts 25.92 Kts 48.00 Km/h
2. Emirates Team New Zealand 25.57 Kts 47.36 Km/h
3. China Team 23.82 Kts 44.12 Km/h
4. Energy Team 18.54 Kts 34.34 Km/h
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