Topic: America’s Cup 2021

[lithium_deuteride]

Much like soccer when I become a huge follower as the World Cup unfolds, I become a sailing fan when AC starts.  This year is especially exciting as the boats are really nice, the fastest and most high tech ever.  So high tech that only 3 countries were able to produce challenger boats to cup holders New Zealand - USA, UK, and Italy.  The boats feature hydrofoils on both sides and they ride on one side only as the boats tack from one side to the other.  The UK boat Britannia was the slowest during the practice matches in December but have turned the tables around, consulting with the aerodynamicists of the Mercedes F1 team to produce a really fast boat.  They are now favourites to win the challenger series.

The challengers are currently duking it out for the next 3 weekends to determine who takes on New Zealand for the America’s Cup proper.

[lithium_deuteride]

All the races are broadcast live over YouTube btw.  Now looking like the beautiful Italian boat Luna Rossa has the legs over Britannia but anything can happen.

[lithium_deuteride]

All the races are broadcast live over YouTube btw.  Now looking like the beautiful Italian boat Luna Rossa has the legs over Britannia but anything can happen.

Nah, the Brit is simply faster.

[lithium_deuteride]

USA's boat Patriot capsized as it started the last leg with a large lead. Equivalent to a last lap crash by the race leader in an F1 race. USA now on the backfoot with 4 straight loses.  What a turnaround from last December when they were the favorite to win the challenger series. 

[DaSilva]

I'm following it through this thread, keep it going bro 

[lithium_deuteride]

Unfortunately the USA boat can’t be repaired in time for the next 2 rounds which means they will finish 3rd and last in the round robin.  But since there are just 3 teams vying for the Challenger series (called Prada cup btw), they meet the 2nd placer in a semi-final round.  At this stage that is looking to be Italy.

The USA boat would have sunk had it not received help from the organizers and the 3 other teams.  The huge capsize punctured the hull but worse, fried the electronics.

[lithium_deuteride]

In the 2 weeks that the Americans were repairing their boat, the Italians were improving their comms, tactics, and boat.  Now clearly faster than the USA boat, Luna Rossa, up 3-0, can send the Americans home today with a 4th win.

[lithium_deuteride]

And there you go, it’s UK vs Italy for the right to challenge New Zealand.  Going to be a great match between those 2 boats.