Race 23, Alinghi Red Bull Racing vs Ineos Britannia

Louis Vuitton Round Robin 2

My text buddy Rosco and I are both picking Alinghi to win this. My theory, partially based on ’21, is that Ineos seems to peak too soon, whereas Alinghi is still on an improvement trajectory in these round robins, although the bottom of their mainsail often looks wrinkly.  

Ineos Britannia has played its delay card to check its rudder after hitting debris on the way to the course changes its jib for the changing conditions. In its last two races, against American Magic and ETNZ on Thursday, they have played the bridesmaid.

OK, hang on, because here we go.

We don’t usually see Ineos so aggressive but they are chasing hard to get a hook on Alinghi and Alinghi is wriggling to stay free – nice work on the Swiss boat. Both boats get a good start and cross the line with Alinghi to leeward. Advantage to Ineos.

Heading up leg one, Ineos covers Alinghi and is in control, but they having to work for it. All the boats are improving so fast, especially compared with the third preliminary regatta which then saw a big leap of improvement into round robin one, and now a bigger leap across the fleet into round robin two.

Oh boy, we are already at gate one – in this breeze it came up fast. Until now, Ineos has been making a habit of doing bow-down touch downs as they exit the marks which would be a real problem in today’s swell, but Ineos has made good use of its layday yesterday and is sailing an immaculate race. The delta is 12.

Ineos has a speed advantage downwind and is pulling away, 300m lead, but these challenging conditions could still trip them up.

I’ve barely blinked and it’s gate two already. Ineos has extended its lead and has never sailed better. Delta is 21, but it’s still open. The boats are bouncing up and down, testing their flight controllers and giving them valuable experience for the semis.

Ineos continues to extend its lead to the finish.

That’s good news for Orient Express who is up next against American Magic. Do not touch that dial.

© Rebecca Hayter

Photo credit: Ricardo Pinto, America's Cup