New Zealand triumphed in the third America’s Cup race against Britain on Sunday, extending their lead to 3-0 in the first-to-seven series. This victory came after a tense moment where the two boats nearly collided before the start. The fourth race, initially scheduled for later on Sunday, was postponed due to diminishing Mediterranean winds. The race committee announced that they would attempt to resume competition on Monday.
Ben Ainslie’s British team, already trailing 2-0, faced a penalty in the third race. This was due to their failure to maintain a safe distance in response to an aggressive maneuver by Peter Burling’s New Zealand crew during the pre-start. Burling remarked, “It was a little bit uncomfortable … with how close the boats got,” during the America’s Cup live broadcast immediately after the race off Barcelona. The penalty further hindered the British team’s efforts to regain confidence after two consecutive losses on Saturday.
The New Zealanders, who have consistently started stronger and demonstrated slightly greater speed in their foiling AC75 monohull, have been refining their strategy in preparation for defending the America’s Cup against Britain. Burling, the 33-year-old skipper, expressed satisfaction with their execution in the race, stating, “Great to finally execute it in a race … and to make it count.”
The British team was forced to fall 75 meters behind New Zealand after crossing the line to comply with the penalty, giving the America’s Cup holders an early edge. Ainslie commented on the penalty, “It was obviously a port-starboard and we thought we were keeping clear but the umpires didn’t see it that way.” Despite a close tacking duel early in the race, the British were unable to overtake, and the New Zealand crew secured a convincing win.
Ainslie remained optimistic, noting, “Just got to keep upbeat,” and emphasizing the long road ahead in the competition. Britain has never won the America’s Cup in its 173-year history and has not challenged for it in 60 years. Ainslie, along with co-helm Dylan Fletcher, is under significant pressure to meet British expectations.
