Stagnant winds prevent sailing races off Auckland
BAt the 36th America’s Cup for Seafarers, races planned for Sunday were postponed for one day due to weak winds. The decision was made by Australian Regatta Director Ian Murray and the Racing Committee team just before 6am German time.
Races to be scheduled for Monday have been rescheduled (from 4.15 AM CET on Servus TV). Before the seventh and eighth races, the score was 3: 3 between challenger Italy and defending champion New Zealand. Seven victories are necessary to win the oldest and most important trophy in sailing.
Dramatic duel in front of Auckland
America’s Cup rules state that a race in very light winds cannot take place if wind strength does not reach an average value of 6.5 knots within a five-minute period. The value should be measured nine to four minutes prior to a possible start. The weather forecast for the continuation of the duel at the start of the week is more promising.
The duel between New Zealanders and Italians is very exciting. In all three race days so far, each team has won one round. And also on Saturday. Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli from Italy initially won the first race of the day by an 18-second difference in inconsistent winds.
In the sixth race, New Zealand captain Peter Burling and his crew aboard the Tea Riotai turned the tide and outpaced the rivals by 1:41 minutes. “That was a good end to another tight day,” said Blair Talk, 49th New Zealand Olympic gold medalist.
Tens of thousands of fans and a record fleet of 1,600 spectator boats provided the Port Regatta and Hauraki Golf Racecourse a stunning backdrop at the start of the weekend. But now the fans had to leave without achieving anything. As the outlook for wind conditions is positive, the classic sailing should continue on Monday.
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