France and New Zealand are in the lead after two rounds of preliminary regattas

New Zealand and France on Saturday in Vilanova (Spain) finished tied for the top spot in the general classification on the first day of the 2024 America’s Cup preliminary regatta.

The New Zealander, driven by double Silver Jug winner Peter Burling, won the second qualifying of the day ahead of Switzerland’s Alinghi Redbull Racing in a downhill race, due to very light winds. These two crews are also the only ones who were able to fly for a few minutes thanks to their foils. The defending champion, New Zealand, crossed the finish line in time, while his five pursuers stopped at the previous gate.

Shortly before that, the French Challenge Orient Express, the last team to participate in the America’s Cup, reached the first round, surprising everyone. Thanks to a good start from helmsman Van Quentin Delapierre, the Blues stayed in front for a good while until the wind died down and the gaps closed at the front of the race.

After finishing the race almost in a stalemate, the French team remained ahead of American Magic (USA) and Team New Zealand. “On the first day, we could not have hoped for more, and everything we have learned in training in recent weeks has ended up working out well.”welcomed Orient Express Officer Jason Saunders.

The other two rounds scheduled for the day were canceled due to weather. In the general classification, the New Zealand and Orient Express teams have fifteen points, while the Swiss Alinghi Redbull team completes the podium with 10 points. On Sunday, two new classification rounds will be decided from 3:00pm before the Grand Final of the two boats to end the first weekend of clashes between the teams competing for the world’s oldest sporting trophy.