For its trial run, the Puig Women’s America’s Cup won over the public. Organized last week as a prelude to the America’s Cup Match, the 12 teams delivered an exciting week of regattas. The Swiss team, moreover, did not disappoint.
Top-class competition for Alinghi Red Bull Racing: all the teams in the 37th Cup were represented and the standard was correspondingly high. However, only the top three teams in each group were able to secure a ticket to the semi-finals. The Swiss, who were level on points with the New Zealanders, narrowly missed out on the final qualification place.
In the final race, which was held in extremely light winds, the Swiss team of Nathalie Brugger (helmswoman), Alexandra Stalder (helmswoman), Laurane Mettraux (trimmer) and Anja von Allmen (trimmer) had a mission: no more than two boats were allowed between them and Emirates Team New Zealand. After numerous canceled races and procedures, the women of Alinghi Red Bull Racing finally got off to the perfect start. They left their rivals far behind and took pole position at the first windward gate. However, a mistake caused the boat to fall off the foils, allowing the British team to come back and overtake the Swiss team. A few lengths from the leeward gate, they had wisely opted for a final tack instead of a jibe to increase their chances of staying airborne in the prevailing wind conditions. Unfortunately, their rudder blade came loose during this maneuver, which opened the way for the New Zealanders. Of course, they did not miss the opportunity. While Alinghi Red Bull Racing waited for a gust of wind to be able to take off again, they had to watch the field pass them by.
Next step: more regattas?
However, with three out of six races finishing on the podium, the women of Alinghi Red Bull Racing proved their potential. Unfortunately, due to the condensed race schedule and the lack of time on the water, not all teams were able to find their usual rhythm. The women from INEOS and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli were in a class of their own and met in a final that took the form of a single match race and ended in favor of the Italians. An abrupt ending that drew criticism. Nevertheless, the public enjoyed the first edition of the Women’s America’s Cup. The next Defender will certainly remember this and further strengthen and expand the concept.
