Bermuda Sailing America Cup 2017 Playoffs Final Day 1
Playoff Finals Helmsman
IslandStats.com
Big day with the start of the Louis Vuitton America's Cup Challenger Playoffs Final, featuring Emirates Team New Zealand and Artemis Racing.
Great start from Artemis Racing who took the early 10 second lead against Emirates Team New Zealand in the first race at mark 1. Gate 2 turn and Artemis Racing maintained a slender 5 second lead over Emirates Team New Zealand.
But a Major setback for Artemis Racing who were handed a penalty for sailing out of the racecourse boundary. The two boat length penalty against Artemis Racing allowed Emirates Team New Zealand to gain a clear lead heading for Gate 4.
Emirates Team New Zealand sailed smoothly and held a 23 second lead over Artemis Racing at Gate 5. Advantage Emirates Team New Zealand who took the first win of the Louis Vuitton America’ s Cup Challenger Playoffs Final.
Artemis Racing timed their start to perfection and gained the early lead over Emirates Team New Zealand in the second race of the day. Artemis Racing's lead over Emirates Team New Zealand stood at 6 seconds at the Gate 2 turn.
The race remained incredibly tight, as the Teams split at Gate 5 with Emirates Team New Zealand looking for any advantage to help them close the gap on Artemis Racing. The match was all square as Artemis Racing leveled the score to 1-1 as they defeated Emirates Team New Zealand in the second race of the day.
For a third time in a row Artemis Racing got off the start line ahead of Emirates Team New Zealand, Artemis Racing maintained a slender lead over Emirates Team New Zealand at Gate 3, holding a 4 second lead.
But drama was only moments away as Artemis Racing helmsman Nathan Outteridge fell off their boat, all but handing Emirates Team New Zealand victory.
The victory sees Emirates Team New Zealand take a 2-1 lead over Artemis Racing in the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Challenger Playoffs Final.
