AC-50-Catamaran - Louis Vuitton Cup - Hamilton BER - Day 13

Races 4, 5 and 6 of the Challenger Playoff Final were held yesterday in winds from 16 kn to 11 kn. The big factor for the day was that the teams both changed their daggerboards in opposite directions. The Swedes went for the small, high speed boards which are best suited to stronger winds while the Kiwis opted for the bigger low speed, light wind boards. Racing was very close. 'Artemis' (Nathan Outteridge AUS) had three times the better start and led at the first mark or more, but 'Team NZL' (Peter Burling) passed them in two of the three heats. However, the victory in the last match was by one second only, and this after a 16 sec lead at the penultimte mark. A major tactical error with a splash down at the mark before the final leg made them almost loose race 6.
With a 4-2 score, the crucial races today are difficult for 'Artemis'. While the Kiwis need just one win to qualify as Challenger for the America's Cup against 'Team Oracle', the Swedes would need to win all three matches today.
The news with the videos and the comment of Paul Cayard USA.