Ben Ainslie and Ineos Britannia crew plot dramatic America’s Cup comeback
Spending a full day on the water can feel quite lengthy. When the conditions at sea near Barcelona changed on Tuesday, it altered the dynamics of the 37th America’s Cup. Suddenly, Ineos Britannia, who were behind Emirates Team New Zealand with a score of 4-0 in the best-of-13 series, found themselves back in the race. The America’s Cup is not just about the skills of the sailors; it’s also a test for sailboat designers. The slight variations in the designs of the two AC75 yachts gave the British team an edge in the rougher weather. Before long, they had closed the gap to 4-2.
One of the main factors that gave New Zealand an advantage in the smooth waters during the first days of the regatta was their design team's decision to enhance the boat’s performance for calm conditions. Their boat, Tahoro, features "dry bulbs" on its foil arm, which help keep the foils within the required weight while reducing the surface area in contact with the water. This design performs well in flat conditions, but when the waves pick up, it puts them at a disadvantage.
"Certainly, that's a factor in our performance," Ainslie remarked, "but it goes beyond that." He and his team had to position themselves effectively to capitalize on their performance advantage. In the sixth race, which they clinched with a seven-second lead, they strategically outsmarted New Zealand during the pre-start phase. They executed a move they had practiced the day before, catching the Kiwis off guard. The New Zealand team had spent their reserve day on land, believing the rough seas were too challenging to sail in.
That decision was an error. It wasn't just due to the fact that the British had a better grasp of the new circumstances, but also because it gave them the confidence that they were putting in more effort than their rivals. This is precisely the attitude that Ainslie is aiming to cultivate.
A week ago, Ainslie was asked about his favorite America’s Cup skipper. While his competitor, Peter Burling, named one of his fellow countrymen, Russell Coutts, who led New Zealand to its first Cup victory in 1995, Ainslie picked the Australian John Bertrand. Bertrand was the skipper of Australia II, which triumphed in 1983. Australia II staged an impressive comeback from a 3-1 deficit in the series to ultimately win 4-3, ending the USA's 132-year dominance in the event. This match became known as the 'Race of the Century.'
“It still sends chills down my spine,” Ainslie remarked. Despite his many victories, he enjoys embracing the role of the underdog. That’s why he has spent the entire event highlighting the strengths of his competitors.
If Bertrand's win in ‘83 was the defining race of the last century, Ainslie has already made a significant mark in this century's racing scene. He joined Oracle Team USA during the 34th America’s Cup in San Francisco in 2013 when the team was trailing 0-4, and shortly after, the score was 1-8. However, with his strategic input, they managed an incredible comeback to win 9-8. Ainslie has firsthand experience in overcoming difficult situations. As we approach the seventh and eighth races on Friday afternoon, the key question is whether he can replicate that success in a more balanced contest.
