Wind taken from Sir Ben Ainslie's sails as British team lose both races on day two of America's Cup
A tough day for the British challenger in Bermuda. Two defeats from two races, both of them by substantial margins, took the wind out of the sails of Land Rover BAR after the encouraging pace they had shown on the first day of qualifying on Saturday.
It is worth remembering that things might have been much much worse, though. Just being out on the water was a minor miracle after Land Rover BAR’s challenge was almost ended entirely by the collision they had with Softbank Team Japan on Saturday.
Martin Whitmarsh, the former McLaren F1 team principal who is now the chief executive of the Portsmouth-based team, revealed on Sunday that the boat “very, very nearly sank” as a result of the damage sustained to its port hull.
Television images after the crash had only shown about a foot’s worth of damage to the hull. Whitmarsh, though, said the shore team eventually had to cut and scrape away nearly 20ft of carbon-fibre casing and aluminium honeycomb ‘filling’.
Difficult day on the waters for Land Rover BAR!
Oracle Team USA get the better of British outfit. #AmericasCuppic.twitter.com/cpxreMFWdz— BT Sport (@btsport) May 28, 2017
Fortunately for the team, he added, Sir Ben Ainslie had had the presence of mind to keep the boat on its foils all the way back to base after the race had ended so as to avoid the hull filling completely with water.
“We very, very nearly sank,” Whitmarsh said. “It was foiled back so we didn’t take too much water on board. When we got back here and went down on the hull, very quickly it began filling with water. If we had left it in the water for a few more minutes it would have sunk. You’ve got all the electronics, everything...
“Re-covering [the damaged hull] is one thing, but there’s a whole range of things that would have been destroyed. We were very close to the end of the campaign.”
Whitmarsh said that, in total, a team of around 45 mechanics, engineers and other shore crew worked through the night to get the boat into a fit condition to race on Sunday, with the team only confirming their intention to race shortly before midday.
It was a boost for the team, but those good vibes were not to last.
Land Rover BAR actually won the start in both races - against the two favourites for the Cup, Oracle Team USA and Emirates Team NZ - but struggled thereafter, allowing both the Americans and the Kiwis to pass them on the way up to the third mark. It was their rounding of that mark which really killed them, though, their bows crashing down into the water on both occasions – what is known as a “stuff” – scratching off all their speed in an instant.
That error alone cost them around 300m in the race with Oracle Team USA, dropping them from 9sec behind at the third mark to 33sec behind at the fourth, a margin which remained more or less constant to the finish.
Against the Kiwis, the speed differential was more marked and they also made a few tactical errors, eventually going down by 1min 28sec.
Tough day for Land Rover BAR.
Successive losses after defeat to Emirates Team New Zealand. #AmericasCuppic.twitter.com/eXsyLhHCKc— BT Sport (@btsport) May 28, 2017
Ainslie was adamant afterwards that the damage and subsequent repairs had had little effect on his team’s performance, saying they just had not sailed well enough in shifty conditions which produced mixed results across the board.
“I don’t think the damage made any difference,” he said. “The guys did an incredible job fixing it up. Boat speed probably wasn’t the defining factor today. We just made errors. Mostly in boat handling but we also made a few tactical errors. We’ll go away and work hard on that. I think everyone found it hard out there today in those conditions but we have to do a better job.”
The team’s tactician, Giles Scott, concurred, acknowledging it was not yet a perfect finish on the hull but pointing out that it spent most of the time out of the water anyway and the structural integrity had not been compromised. The sight of water pouring out of the hull after their stuff in the race with Oracle Team USA had caused a brief bout of Chinese whispers on the TV coverage, as the commentators suggested they might have reopened the crack. But it turned out to be water exiting the drainage holes in the cockpit.
“The guys were checking it [the hull] throughout the day and they were happy with the structural integrity,” Scott explained. “A diver even went down to take a look at it. We just made a few too many errors but there are positives. Our starts were good and our speed in the first race - apart from the stuff - was encouraging. We kept pace with them."
There is no need for British fans to panic. There are still plenty more races to go before this double round robin ends on Wednesday, and only one of the six teams will drop out at the end of it.
On top of which - given the fact they began this series with two points, courtesy of their win in the America’s Cup World Series - Land Rover BAR still have a relatively healthy three points on the board. But they will be desperate to rediscover their form.
Groupama Team France – who had been seen as the Cup’s whipping boys – really put the cat amongst the pigeons with their victory over Artemis in the first of Sunday’s six races. If they have got their act together then 3pts may not no longer be sufficient.
Land Rover BAR face them in one of only three races on Monday and will be desperate to chalk up another win.
And that's your lot
Tune in again for tomorrow's racing, which gets under way at 18.00 BST with Ben Ainslie kicking off proceedings against Groupama Team France. That could prove to be the equivalent of a relegation six-pointer in the quest to avoid an early elimination. A must win for Ainslie and his team.
I can't imagine you'll be doing much else with your Bank Holiday.
The table makes for happier viewing
Those two bonus points from Land Rover BAR's World Series victory could prove their saving grace.
Race results
Not a great day for Ben Ainslie and Land Rover BAR
And that's that done and dusted
Over the finish line with a victory against @SoftBankTeamJPN! pic.twitter.com/hhxz7KlKyb
— ORACLE TEAM USA (@OracleTeamUSA) May 28, 2017
A victory by 54 seconds.
You do get some cracking pictures out of this sport
.@SoftBankTeamJPN and @OracleTeamUSA headed into the final leg of the final race of the day. #AmericasCup#ThereIsNoSecondpic.twitter.com/ZO1mz51FyS
— America's Cup (@americascup) May 28, 2017
Even if this race hasn't been the most exhilarating.
Final downwind leg
And Oracle are heading for a comfortable victory. Serene.
Ho-hum
This has been one of those races that has looked as good as done since the teams crossed the start line.
Here's a funky graphic to show you what's going on:
Funky might have been overselling it somewhat.
USA maintain stable lead into fourth leg
Maintaining, perhaps even stretching. Looking like two defeats in two for the day for Softbank Team Japan.
Here's a clip of Spithill acing the pre-start:
This is the foiling @americascup@SoftBankTeamJPN vs @OracleTeamUSA#thereisnosecondpic.twitter.com/Poqvk2BeVB
— America's Cup (@americascup) May 28, 2017
Close racing around mark 2
Oracle's lead stands at six seconds
Advantage USA
Jimmy Spithill out-manouevres Dean Barker and gives Oracle early position over the Japanese heading towards the first mark.
It's Michael Douglas!
He loves the America's Cup does Michael. He's yapping on about how incredible it is that these boats travel at three times the speed of the wind. Dumbfounded, he is.
Japan vs USA will complete today's proceedings
— Land Rover BAR (@LandRoverBAR) May 28, 2017
Land Rover BAR fall to third successive defeat
Big, big margin of victory for New Zealand. A whopping 1 minute 28 seconds between the two teams.
Ainslie puffs out his cheeks. He looks a forlorn man. Yet another early lead surrendered.
Kiwis hit the final leg
The difference in speed between these two boats will cause real concern for Ainslie. That won't be easy to fix going forward.
A word from Tom Cary in Bermuda
It's clearly incredibly close/unpredictable in Bermuda, which is great for the neutral but does place a bit more pressure on Land Rover BAR. If the Brits' performance HAS been compromised by the crash/repairs - and we'll find out later whether they are struggling with anything technical/mechanical - the one saving grace they had was the knowledge that Groupama Team France were not expected to be a threat to anyone and they would therefore have until at least the playoffs to get their performance back on track.
France beating Artemis earlier on today really put the cat amongst the pigeons on that score. 3pts may no longer be enough. Land Rover BAR need to get their groove back and get some more wins under their belt.
It doesn't look like that's going to happen today. Kiwis literally sailing to victory.
Ben Ainslie takes another mini-plunge
Coming out of the windward gate, his boat's hull dips back into the water again and their chances in this race take a big hit. The Kiwi lead is suddenly out to 425 metres.
Split screen of the contrasting styles. The Kiwi pedalo on the left, the Brits (not the French - do better BT) on the right.
Lead up, lead down
They take advantage of a wind shift on the right hand side of the course to open up a 150-metre lead. Land Rover BAR will be hoping the wind will shift back in their direction, and indeed it does. Lead cut to 50 metres.
Deja vu
The Kiwis completely outstrip the British boat with their straight-line speed and hit the lead around the second mark
Good start from Land Rover BAR
They stay out of trouble and take an early lead. We've been here before, though...
Penalty against Team NZ
The Kiwis got their timings all wrong and entered the pre-start area too early. That means they have to start two boat lengths behind Land Rover BAR unless they can force a penalty out of the Brits, who will be wanting to steer clear of the Kiwi boat in order to avoid that.
Important race coming up for Land Rover BAR
Groupama Team France's emergence puts them under added pressure. With four of the five challengers progressing to the playoffs, most expected the French to be the team that would be eliminated. Now it's anybody's game and Land Rover BAR's qualification is far from guaranteed. Not that Ben Ainslie will have been thinking that way in any case.
Victory for Artemis Racing Sweden
By a good 700 metres in the end. A first defeat of the regatta for Oracle Team USA.
You certainly can't accuse the racing of being too predictable.
All v close in Bermuda. After losing to previously winless France earlier, Artemis just beaten previously undefeated Oracle Team USA #ac35
— Tom Cary (@tomcary_tel) May 28, 2017
Swedes spring back into lead
Another wind shift and Artemis Racing now look like they're cruising to victory as the round the sixth mark.
Game on
The wind is doing liquorice (all sorts) and is shifting all over the shop, allowing Oracle to eat into the Swedish lead.
Looks though @OracleTeamUSA have found that shift in the wind! @ArtemisRacing lead cut completely and the American team are now ahead!
— America's Cup (@americascup) May 28, 2017
Land Rover BAR go through their race strategy
They take on Team NZ in the next race
Talking tactics ahead of race 2 with coach Rob Wilson, final race of today against @EmiratesTeamNZ come on boys #BringThecupHomepic.twitter.com/nEmM1yvN4W
— Land Rover BAR (@LandRoverBAR) May 28, 2017
Oracle close the gap
The Americans hoping for a wind shift out on the right hand side of the race course. Artemis still have a reasonably comfortable lead, attempting to maintain a 'loose cover' over their opposition - that essentially means staying between their chasers and the next mark, maintaining their lead with minimal risk.
Leg 5 of 7 and still looking for wind and speed ... slowly closing the gap with @ArtemisRacingpic.twitter.com/K7d2PuvkAQ
— ORACLE TEAM USA (@OracleTeamUSA) May 28, 2017
Excellent third leg from Artemis
They have stretched their lead to over 200 metres as the boats head towards the fourth mark.
Slingsby splits again
The Oracle tactician opting for the same approach that reaped rewards against the Brits. The Americans taking the left hand side of the course as the Swedes go to the left. Looks like the wind is behind the former. They're narrowly behind the Swedes as the two teams tack across the water.
Swedes hit sweet spot over start line
They outsmart Oracle and have the lead around mark 1.
Next up...
Oracle Team USA are back in action against Artemis Racing Sweden, who are looking to bounce back after their surprise defeat to Groupama Team France in the day's opening race.
A brief match report from Land Rover BAR's defeat to Oracle Team USA earlier
Courtesy of Oracle Team USA:
A difficult pre-start in the first of three scheduled races for Oracle Team USA on Sunday, saw the American defender trail Land Rover BAR off the starting line.
Both teams were late for the start after pushing to leeward of the starting line and very slow across the line. Oracle Team USA even had to tack to make the start, while Land Rover BAR pinched up to make it around the starting mark and lead around mark one by nine seconds.
The British challenger held the lead through the first gate but on the first upwind, Oracle Team USA skipper Jimmy Spithill and tactician Tom Slingsby threaded together several windshifts to make a pass and lead by nine-seconds.
Shortly after the rounding, Land Rover BAR had a big crash down, losing several more boat lengths and Oracle Team USA was able to hold its lead the rest of the way to take the win by 39-seconds.
"Tommy called a nice split at the bottom gate and had us in phase with the shifts the rest of the way," Spithill said. "The guys dug in and the boat is looking quicker every day, so we just have to keep it going."
New Zealand take victory
Another close race, and @EmiratesTeamNZ pull ahead of @SoftBankTeamJPN to take the win! #AmericasCup ���� pic.twitter.com/sONnhmwEKi
— America's Cup (@americascup) May 28, 2017
Kiwis ahead down final leg
Their lead over Japan is around 15 seconds and it ain't budging. One mistake and that could all change, mind.
Land Rover BAR await
Post race recovery ice arm bath for our grinder Bleddyn Mon #BringTheCupHomepic.twitter.com/D0yuJLh1gd
— Land Rover BAR (@LandRoverBAR) May 28, 2017
The Brits take on the Kiwis in the day's penultimate race.
Kiwis back in contention
Smooth foiling tacks from Team NZ and they have passed the Japanese and are beginning to extend their lead further.
Arm vs pedal power
An opportunity for a close up look at the difference's in set up between the two teams.
Here's Softbank Team Japan, operating the traditional arm-grinders. Dean Barker on the far left at the helm, setting the boat's direction. The four men to his right are the grinders, frantically trying to provide the power to operate the boat's sails and foils.
And here's Emirates Team New Zealand and their revolutionary pedal-power pedestals:
You can read more about how the boats are manned in the gallery embedded at 18:35.
Japanese looking good
They're maintaining their lead over New Zealand as they head towards the fourth mark.
Highlights from Land Rover BAR's defeat to Oracle Team USA
Difficult day on the waters for Land Rover BAR!
Oracle Team USA get the better of British outfit. #AmericasCuppic.twitter.com/cpxreMFWdz— BT Sport (@btsport) May 28, 2017
Japan vs New Zealand under way
Softbank Team Japan skipper Dean Barker takes on his old charges Emirates Team New Zealand. He gets his boat up on its foils earlier and takes the early lead.
Defenders looking indomitable
That's now three wins from three for the team seeking the "three-peat".
Reaction from skipper Jimmy Spithill:
A great effort from the boys. A sign of strength to be able to come back. It was smooth sailing, no panic, I thought our speed was very good, too.
We're a long way off our best. We're still not satisfied with how we're sailing, but at the same that's motivation for the guys.
Race summary
So after such a promising start, the Brits were unable to sustain their advantage and Oracle had already passed them by the time their hull dipped into the water and effectively ended their race.
Renewed questions could be raised about the team's straight-line speed, which was their Achilles heel during practice racing.
Oracle Team USA take comfortable victory
Land Rover BAR not even in the picture:
They cross the line 39 seconds behind the Americans, a healthy margin in sailing terms.
A close shave from earlier
Phew, that was close!
Land Rover BAR and Oracle Team USA come too close for comfort... #AmericasCuppic.twitter.com/wMAoY83uS7— BT Sport (@btsport) May 28, 2017
Sadly it is nowhere near as close as that anymore.
Or not...
Could just be the residual water from their earlier dip in the pond. No one seems sure until a close up seems to indicate that it's the latter.
Here it is:
Make of that what you will. Not entirely sure what that's all about, but, in sum, the mistake has cost Land Rover BAR this race, but the damage is not as bad as it first appeared.
Land Rover BAR repair job unravelling
Ainslie will be spitting feathers over that. It looks like the mistake has reopened the wounds of yesterday's collision and the hull is leaking water again.
Oracle Team USA edge into the lead
But there's hardly anything in it.
Until the British team make a big unforced error and dip their hulls down into the water, adding a good 300 metres to Oracle's lead. That could prove costly.
Nip and tuck as the teams sail towards the fourth mark
Oracle close the gap round mark 3
The teams are split down opposite ends of the course. Oracle searching for an advantage in wind speed and they have come right back into this race. Almost on collision course as the two teams tack past each other.
@LandRoverBAR remain nine seconds ahead of @OracleTeamUSA at Gate 2 as the teams take to different sides of the course for leg 3
— America's Cup (@americascup) May 28, 2017
The battle is on between @OracleTeamUSA and @LandRoverBAR in Race 8! Former teammates @JSpithill & @AinslieBen go head to head. ���� vs ���� pic.twitter.com/AI902zTafs
— America's Cup (@americascup) May 28, 2017
Land Rover BAR in the lead round the first mark
Intriguing start to race 8 as @LandRoverBAR get ahead of @OracleTeamUSA and reach Mark 1 with a 10 second advantage over their rivals
— America's Cup (@americascup) May 28, 2017
Ainslie takes a strong position
He takes a high-risk, unorthodox approach, sailing close to the wind and tacking slowly over the start line, but it works and Land Rover BAR have the advantage.
Perhaps opting for something different to keep Spithill guessing, the pair of course know each other well having been teammates in 2013.
Pre-start under way
It's wet onboard...
"It'll be a big day for the boys on the handles"
Says Oracle Team USA skipper Jimmy Spithill. He is, of course, referring to the grinders, but it has a nice ring to it.
If you still don't know what he's on about, read this guide to what does what in an America's Cup crew:
Sir Ben Ainslie and Land Rover BAR up next
Highlights from race on
Super close race between @GroupamaTeamFr and @ArtemisRacingpic.twitter.com/6thFSMoLT9
— America's Cup (@americascup) May 28, 2017
Victory for the French
Huge result for skipper Franck Cammas and his team. Goes to show there are no gimme wins in this event. The team that looked out of sorts and well out of the chase during practice has just beaten the form team.
Around the final gate they go...
A less than smooth gybe from the French, but they recover well and maintain their lead. Artemis Racing's straight-line speed is the quicker, they are closing, but it looks a little too late.
The Swedes are on their tail
Less than 100 metres the gap now. That is a tight margin and it is closing all the while.
Time is running out for @ArtemisRacing to stage a comeback, @GroupamaTeamFr looking good for a morale-boosting first win
— America's Cup (@americascup) May 28, 2017
The French are holding on
One more gate to navigate and Groupama Team France are holding their lead.
Go go go les garçons ������ !! #FRAvsSWE#AmazingSailorspic.twitter.com/n6cbpSIN9j
— Groupama Team France (@GroupamaTeamFr) May 28, 2017
A shock is on the cards
The French are back in the lead. This would be a major upset if they can hold onto this lead. They are flying towards gate four of seven.
Full credit to @GroupamaTeamFr. A much improved showing today and they hold a 22 second lead over @ArtemisRacing at Gate 3
— America's Cup (@americascup) May 28, 2017
Land Rover BAR base "like a funeral"
An update from Tom Cary in Bermuda:
Despite the encouraging pace they showed on the opening day, it was like a funeral outside the Land Rover BAR boat shed late last night. I watched as the sailors left at around 9pm Bermuda time and boarded a RIB back to their digs. They had very, very grave faces. No wonder. It was only this morning that we realised the full extent of the damage.
The hole in the hull ended up being around 20ft long once they had cut away all the damaged carbon fibre casing. Martin Whitmarsh, the team's CEO, admitted it very nearly sunk them (quite literally if they hadn't stayed on their foils all the way back to the base). Story to follow.
Also grabbed a quick word with Ben as he set off earlier and he reckoned it wouldn't compromise their performance too badly as they would (should) be on their foils most of the time. He seemed quite chipper.
"Grabbed a quick word with Ben." As you do, Tom.
Artemis hit the lead
The Swedes get up on their foils immediately, the French dip their hulls into the water while gybing and lose ground.
Pre-start goes France's way
Solid start from French skipper Franck Cammas, who manouevres a favourable position and they hold the right of way and a slight advantage as they round the first mark.
Sweden and France out on the water
It's the pre-start, which is sort of a mysterious jig as the teams jostle for position. It can be crucial, as one will try to force a penalty from the other, as the Japanese did successfully against Land Rover BAR in yesterday's racing.
A reminder of how the action will unfold
@americascup@LandRoverBAR We've six more #AmericasCup race for you to enjoy...
Here's how your Sunday looks �� pic.twitter.com/hbhmlrIBjU— BT Sport (@btsport) May 28, 2017
Action coming up
Artemis Racing Sweden vs Groupama Team France
Dock out show - Louis Vuitton @americascup Qualifiers Day 2
���� #WeAreArtemisRacingpic.twitter.com/mU1jmqZTcp— Artemis Racing (@ArtemisRacing) May 28, 2017
Artemis Racing showed tremendous form in practice, but skipper Nathan Outteridge has been keen to deflect pressure from his team:
I don’t think we have a target on our back. The races have been super close and we've been amazed about how quick the boats have been, the level of improvement is immense.
We have work to do and even though we've won races they have all been very close. One mistake is the difference between winning and losing. Every team has a target on their backs but I look around at the more experienced guys here and I believe the target is on their backs more so than ours.
Artemis Racing won one and lost one on the opening day. The French lost both their races and are considered rank outsiders for the event.
Can the Kiwis pedal power themselves to America's Cup glory?
There has been plenty of intrigue around the team's switch to pedal power in this year's America's Cup. Tom Cary spoke to Team NZ designer Tim Meldrum about the changes. Here's what he had to say:
I think one of the main reasons others discounted it is the influence of sailors in dominant roles who felt threatened by such radical change.
It’s easy to understand – what would you do if you’d just spent a hard six months off-season conditioning to become a unit with huge shoulders and stick legs, then some designer thinks you should throw away the bench press and slip into some Lycra?
It really goes against the tradition of an America’s Cup and grand prix sailing culture that has been strong in grinding for 30 years. Thankfully we took a rational scientific approach that let the numbers speak for themselves.
Oracle Team USA's secret weapon?
You can read all about the Defenders offbeat training methods here.
A teaser:
“We need an edge over the other teams,” Craig McFarlane, Oracle’s physical performance manager, told the Daily Telegraph.
“One of the things that we identified was integrating different types of training into our schedule, developing the athlete as a whole, not just physically.”
And that means everything from logic puzzles to memory recall apps, boxing, free-diving and, in the lead up to the 2013 America’s Cup, simulating hostage situations with the Navy SEALs.
Our man in Bermuda Tom Cary on Ben Ainslie's day two opposition
Oracle Team USA and Emirates Team New Zealand are the bookies favourites for the 35th America’s Cup with both showing excellent form on the opening day, beating the French convincingly before taking each other on in what proved to be a very close contest.
The Americans eventually came from behind to beat the Kiwis, who have been the talk of the Cup so far with their grinders all on static bikes rather than traditional pedestals.
Land Rover BAR will have their work cut out beating either team but Ainslie – who said his team’s performance on day one had “silenced the doubters” and proved a few people wrong – said he was looking forward to both clashes.
Here's what SoftBank Team Japan's Chris Draper had to say about the incident
"It could've been pretty ugly!"
Softbank Japan's tactician Chris Draper reflects on that #AmericasCup collision. pic.twitter.com/I4GTCtNTBv— BT Sport (@btsport) May 28, 2017
Highlights from day one...
Including that shocking shunt from Land Rover BAR
Highlights of Opening Day of the 35th America's Cup, and what a day it was! Looking forward to another big day of racing ahead. #AmericasCuppic.twitter.com/tMRzxqiJIC
— America's Cup (@americascup) May 28, 2017
Good late afternoon/early evening
The news from Bermuda is that Sir Ben Ainslie's Land Rover BAR will be racing today against defenders Oracle Team USA and Emirates Team New Zealand, following an all hands to the pump effort from their shore team to repair the boat following a dramatic collision with Softbank Team Japan on day one.
The other news filtering through from Bermuda is that there is huge support for Bermudian Huddersfield striker Nakhi Wells, who is a likely starter for the Terriers in tomorrow's Championship playoff final at Wembley.
#Bermuda's Nahki Wells set to make third appearance at iconic Wembley Stadium tomorrow | https://t.co/rrR5M2UozM | pic.twitter.com/oKsbxaBOsK
— BernewsSports (@BernewsSports) May 28, 2017