BRITISH America's Cup hopefuls INEOS Britannia — with Isle of Wight sailor Leigh McMillan in its crew — has kept alive their hopes of winning from an almost hopeless position.
Britannia secured two race wins against the favourites and defending champions, Emirates Team New Zealand, in the 37th America’s Cup match in Barcelona yesterday (Wednesday, October 17).
Read more: Isle of Wight born sailor to compete in 37th Americas Cup
The double victory has hauled the British team back to 4-2 in favour of the Kiwis in the first-to-seven series.
But Britannia — the first British team to compete in an America’s Cup match in 60 years — did what no other British team had achieved in 90 years, to score points in it.
Britannia trimmer and flight controller, Island-born Leigh McMillan, said: "It’s great to get a couple of wins under the belt, that’s for sure.
Read more: Isle of Wight sailor all set for 37th Americas Cup showdown
"Emirates Team New Zealand (ETMZ) have set the bar pretty high — and we feel like we are clawing into them now.
"We are looking forward to getting back out there and keeping the pressure on — and the momentum going."
The first race of the day, and fifth of the series, started in light conditions, with a high sea state.
The Kiwis struggled with the tricky conditions and fell off their foils in the pre-start box, during a manoeuvre to keep clear of the Brits.
With such little breeze in the air, it was difficult for the Kiwis to take flight again, and Britannia opted to add to their problems by sailing directly in front of them.
The New Zealanders were still struggling to foil and, with Britannia a leg ahead, only a mistake would undo their efforts, but the crew sailed flawlessly — crossing the line 98 seconds clear, the biggest win margin so far.
Read more: Isle of Wight sailor one win from 37th Americas Cup final
A tense second race started in a much improved breeze of 11 to 12 knots — but still with the same difficult sea-state — and again, Britannia had to be at their best as ETNZ fought tooth-and-nail to regain their four-win margin.
But Britannia held on to win by seven seconds, on a great day for British sailing.
Britannia's team principal and skipper, Sir Ben Ainslie, said: "That was a solid effort from the team — to get two wins in difficult conditions. We need to keep pushing."
The 37th America's Cup resumes with two more races tomorrow (Friday, October 18). Viewers can catch all the action live on TNT Sports from 1pm.
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