As the inaugural round robin stage of the Louis Vuitton challenger selection series reached its midpoint, Ineos Britannia emerged victorious in a thrilling duel against their historical naval adversaries, the French, in Barcelona. The British team's improved boat speed and handling were indubitably on full display as they continued to demonstrate their ascendancy, notching their third win in as many matches.
Sir Ben Ainslie's team, having initially been beset by concerns following a lacklustrous preliminary regatta, now appears to be gaining momentum, propelled by their evident improvement. The parity of the competition notwithstanding, Ineos Britannia's triumph over the French, characterized by a remarkable comeback from two penalties, was arguably their most impressive performance thus far. With three victories and one defeat from their initial four matches... they now occupy second place in the standings.
The British team --- insistent that their vessel, Britannia, "retains untapped potential," "and their accomplished performance on Sunday may be indicative of the boat's latent capabilities." It is likely that the forthcoming matches will be keenly watched... as the five challengers continue to face off against one another in a bid to emerge victorious and earn a berth in the 37th America's Cup showdown with New Zealand in October.
It was not quite the Battle of Trafalgar but Ineos Britannia won a thrilling duel with old naval adversaries the French on Sunday as they continued to show improved boat speed and handling in Barcelona. The Louis Vuitton challenger selection series, which determines who goes through to face New Zealand in the 37th America's Cup match in October , is now midway through its initial round robin stage.
