Emirates Team New Zealand win America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta Jeddah final as Ben Ainslie hails 'phenomenal' event

Published 02/12/2023 at 22:48 GMT

Emirates Team New Zealand produced a flawless display to secure a triumph in Saturday's America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta final. New Zealand capitalised on an Italian error, with Peter Burling, Nathan Outteridge, Blair Tuke and Andy Maloney navigating perfectly on the downwind leg, crossing the finish line first to claim victory in Jeddah. Afterwards, Burling hailed an "amazing" event.

Emirates Team New Zealand win America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta Jeddah

Emirates Team New Zealand claimed victory in Saturday's America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta Jeddah final with a flawless display.

The Kiwis capitalised on an error by their Italian opponents to take the win in the grand final shootout. New Zealand had already secured their position with two wins and a second place the day before.

With the finish in sight, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli and Marco Gradoni - dramatically - nose-dived under the water, temporarily sinking them and abruptly ending their race.

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New Zealand capitalised with Peter Burling, Nathan Outteridge, Blair Tuke, and Andy Maloney navigating flawlessly on the downwind leg to claim victory.

Speaking afterwards, Burling said: “Another awesome day of sailing.

"I feel like we made our lives a little bit harder than we needed to in that last race, but we’ve been sailing so well all week, haven’t done too many things wrong and we’re super happy to come away with the win here in Jeddah.

"It has been awesome here and a great showcase for our sport. To have a couple of breezy days here, it’s been amazing.”

Tuke summed up the regatta, saying: “The last two days have shown what the AC40 class can be like, and we’ve enjoyed the close racing, beautiful conditions here and it has been a great advertisement for our sport.”

Drama as Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli submerge in America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta Jeddah final

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Drama as Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli submerge in America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta Jeddah final

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Sir Ben Ainslie, Team Principle of INEOS Britannia, added: “I think it has been a phenomenal event, brilliant conditions, the hosts have been truly wonderful, and you couldn’t ask for a better reception or better hosts, so I think it’s been a huge success.”

The final preliminary regatta will be in Barcelona, Spain in August 2024.

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