There’s a sense of expectation hanging in the air all around the Port Vell as the shore teams work feverishly to prepare the latest generation AC75s for the opening Round Robin of the Louis Vuitton Cup. Everything matters from here on in and, just like in any other sailing regatta, the urge to get a fast start, points on the board and momentum is ever-present.
His Majesty King Felipe VI, himself a keen sailor having raced in the Soling Class at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona and where he was also the country’s Flag Bearer at the Opening Ceremony, will be in attendance and watching the first two races of the day.
We have a tantalising day in store, with so many sub-plots and approaches, not least in the opening race where Alinghi Red Bull Racing takes on Orient Express Racing. Both teams will want a statement win whilst in the second flight, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli and Emirates Team New Zealand face down again. Will we see the fireworks of the Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta Final? Perhaps not, but it’s a fascinating speed test all the same.
In the third race of the day, NYYC American Magic meets the Challenger of Record, INEOS Britannia where both teams will be looking to capitalise on the momentum they gained at the end of the Preliminary Regatta and chalk a first win. The final race sees Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli and Orient Express Racing square off with both boats looking at inherent speeds in their AC75 platforms and slick manoeuvre execution.
Cat’s paws were licking over the harbour this morning with some overnight cloud cover draining up to the hills. Race Director Iain Murray is expecting the resultant left-over breeze to be coming from the east-south-east at between 7-10 knots and a very slight sea-state. Much talk about the changing weather patterns here in Barcelona. Will Mother Nature have the ultimate say in the outcome?
Racing is scheduled to start at 1400 CET, so make sure to check back here as we bring you blow by blow race coverage, live from the racecourse of the Louis Vuitton Cup opening Round Robin:
