Race 3

Race 3 : Alinghi falls of their foils before the race starts, leading to a significant loss

1 min read

The Swiss fell off their foils 45 seconds before the race started, giving the UK a huge advantage. Two minutes in, the Swiss were still off their foils. Thirty seconds later, the Swiss had their foils back on, but were a significant 1km behind the UK, who were already approaching the first gate.

The UK rounded the first gate at 3:46, while the Swiss only just left the start line. The Swiss crossed the first gate a huge 2 minutes and 11 seconds after the UK, making it nearly impossible to catch up, as the UK was well ahead.

INEOS Britannia opens a lead from the start, a well-deserved win.  August 31, 2024. Louis Vuitton Cup, Race Day 3. INEOS BRITANNIA Photo redit: AC37 media
INEOS Britannia opens a lead from the start, a well-deserved win. August 31, 2024. Louis Vuitton Cup, Race Day 3. INEOS BRITANNIA Photo redit: AC37 media

The UK rounded the second gate at 7:41, with a commanding 1,300m lead, ahead of the Swiss. On their second leg, and despite efforts to close the gap, the Swiss remained 1 minute 54 seconds behind the UK.

With the Swiss nowhere in sight, the UK team rounded the third gate at 13:22, entering the fourth leg 7 knots faster than the competition.

The Swiss were 900m behind the UK as they approached gate 4 at 16:15. Despite pushing hard and catching up to within 800m, the Swiss faced an uphill battle.

Alinghi spent far too long sailing in the water and not on their foils.  August 31, 2024. Race Day 3 of the Louis Vuitton Cup. ALINGHI RED BULL RACING
Alinghi spent far too long sailing in the water and not on their foils. August 31, 2024. Race Day 3 of the Louis Vuitton Cup. ALINGHI RED BULL RACING | Photo: AC37 media

As the UK neared the final gate at 21:16, the Swiss made a late surge, closing the gap to 400m. The UK briefly fell off their foils, but the Swiss could not capitalise fully.

In the end, the UK finished with a time of 26:05, with the Swiss finishing 1 minute and 25 seconds later.

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