Americas Cup - 2021 - Race 9

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Yesterday I said, light winds in the Americas Cup were more exciting as they add the possibility of the boats falling off their foils. Today I have to eat my words. Stronger winds are just as exciting, especially in boats so evenly matched.

Watch race 9 here. 

By now the sailing characteristic of both boats are known by all. Luna Rossa can point higher, but Emirates can sail faster, and make better VMG on downwind legs. Considering the size and speed of these boats the sailing is close!

Race 7 and 8 saw passes, lead changes, close starts, and boats coming off their foils. 
Skipper of American Magic Dean Barker stated in the TVNZ coverage 
"It was the most bizzare race."

Today, the wind strrength was up, we saw 12 - 18kts, averaging around 15kts, the teams were practicing on the course, and different jibs were going up and down. There was a sense that the days racing would be even more exciting than yesterday's races 7 and 8. 

Spectator boats were out in force. One radio commentator quipped, 
"Doesn't anyone have work to do?"
There are boats of every size and shape, the vast majority supporting New Zealand. We saw spectators out in fancy dress, kids on the bows - with jackets, jetskis towing inflatables, on the way there we even saw two guys busy fishing, having just caught and released a hammer head shark! Think that's alarming? We spoke to an officer on jetski policing the harbour. They told us they have make sure the public stick to the 5kt speed restriction, and that there is often open water swiming off North Head - the hill where crowds from the land have great views over course C. I wonder if the swimmers know about the sharks?

The start of race 9 was delayed as the wind shifted left. It stared as a NorthWest breeze, shifted to the West, and was predicted to be from the SouthWest. Race Director Ian Murray had to anticipate this, and position the course markers to match.

After a delayed start Luna Rossa took the lead, but it was close. Emirates fought back, each time they attacked, Luna Rossa defended their lead. The high wind shadow created by these boats means that unless the boats split, and then gain enough before they come back together a lead change will be impossible.

Emirates tried again and again to pass, there were several lead changes, but Emerites could not do enough to keep ahead. On leg 5 Luna Rossa decided to defend the left of the course, creating the opportunity for EtNZ pass on the penultimate tack of leg 5, and extend their lead on the final downwind leg. Emirates won match point, and now lead the Americas Cup 6 -3.

After race 9 the wind continued to back, and as there was not enough time to reset the course markers, race 10 was cancelled. 

New Zealand now need one more win, but Italy must win the next 4 matches to win the cup.

It may seem long odds for Itally, but anything can happen in this series.

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