Epic Emirates Team New Zealand Win In New York   9 May 2016

Epic Emirates Team New Zealand Win In New York

Emirates Team New Zealand won the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series New York in the most epic fashion today.

It was a winner takes all 3rd and final race of the day, with the kiwi team leading the regatta tied on points with Oracle and only two points ahead of 3rd and 4th.

The start couldn't have been worse for Emirates Team New Zealand who were off the start line in a distant 6th place.

On a shortened race course the run way for a comeback was slight, but the opportunities were constant for the entire fleet, but it was Glenn Ashby, Ray Davies, Peter Burling, Blair Tuke and Guy Endean who saved the best play until last.

Sitting in a distant 5th at final top mark, Oracle in the lead with one hand on the event trophy, Emirates Team New Zealand latched onto a last minute puff of wind to sail around the four boats ahead and across the finish line to take the regatta win and remain on top of the World Series leaderboard.

“That was a really tough day of racing, the wind was so turbulent and there were huge gains and losses across the race course.” Said an elated Glenn Ashby

“Luckily for us, I guess, we waited until the last moment to make use of one of those huge gains. You just had to keep your head in the game and keep on going, so we are really really happy”

New York turned on the conditions today with wind between 7- 18 knots and another huge crowd that turned out to watch including Former New Zealand Prime Minister & Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, Helen Clark with Emirates Team New Zealand as a key supporter.

Maintaining the boat and executing good manoeuvres was easier said than done on very short course 5 leg courses.

The goal of the day for Emirates Team New Zealand was to be consistent, in a most inconsistent breeze.

“As always in these regatta’s where anything can happen, if you can aim to finish in the top three of each race you are going to look pretty strong towards the end.” said helmsman Peter Burling

“And we managed to do this- just.”

With the win in New York, Emirates Team New Zealand have extended their lead on the overall standings of the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series to 8 points over Oracle.

Skipper Ashby concluded, “For sure for us we can walk away both relieved and ecstatic to have won here in New York and also to gain a couple more points overall. It is never easy,so we are stoked to have done so.”

Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series New York Final Standings

1. Emirates Team New Zealand – 52 points

2. ORACLE TEAM USA – 50 points

3. Groupama Team France – 44 points

4. SoftBank Team Japan – 42 points

5. Land Rover BAR – 42 points

6. Artemis Racing – 40 points

Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Overall Standings

(After five events)

1. Emirates Team New Zealand – 244 points

2. ORACLE TEAM USA – 236 points

3. Land Rover BAR – 227 points

4. SoftBank Team Japan – 203 points

5. Artemis Racing – 201 points

6. Groupama Team France – 194 points

ENDS

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