AC45 Series Chicago 2016: Day 1

Images: Ricardo Pinto / ACEA & Team New Zealand. — They didn´t have luck today with wind, but still the organizers managed to complicate this series any way they possibly can: Two races were held on Friaday on the ‘Practice Race’ day, it seems they had good breeze and proper racing and a nice show was given (I couldn´t see a thing beyond the capsizes).
Today no wind , only at the end they could start one, but till now it doesn´t count….. So they put in place as valid one of the races held yesterday won by Team Japan… and the one won today by TNZ will score depending on tomorrow’s nr of races. At least that is what I got from the info below from Team New Zealand.

All this from the Master minds who are in charge of this Cup edition. Just make all races valid from every Friday and by now they would have 3 valid scores. They don´t even stream them and this stop was not even in Espn Play here , so why worry on such complicated point scheme if only a few privileged can see them?  Below report sent by Team New Zealand.
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EMIRATES TEAM NZ WIN THE ONLY RACE SAILED ON DAY ONE IN CHICAGO
The Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Chicago got off to a confusing start today with conditions for the majority of the day more suitable for relaxing on the waters of Lake Michigan rather than full fledged fighting it out on foiling AC45’s.

The official race window came and went without enough wind to warrant a hoisted headsail, so Friday’s ‘substitute race’ result was implemented meaning overall series leader Emirates Team New Zealand placed 4th ahead of close rivals Land Rover BAR and Oracle Team USA.

“There was an amazing crowd and spectator boats as far as the eye could see, so everyone was up for
action other than the wind gods.” Said tactician Ray Davies.

“We were eager to race, having had such great racing yesterday, but conditions just didn’t allow it…. initially.”

Late in the afternoon a perfect breeze emerged from the city and built to allow the race committee an opportunity to start a race which will only be used as a substitute race for the final day on Sunday if the wind conditions are not suitable for racing at the scheduled start time of the first race tomorrow it will be broadcast and count as a double point race.

Confused?
To put it simply- Emirates Team New Zealand won the only race which was actually sailed on Saturday, but it may not count for anything if three races are sailed tomorrow.

“It was a long hot day waiting on the water for the guys. So when the opportunity came for a race our guys switched into gear fantastically.” said skipper Glenn Ashby

“Pete did a great job at the start, we have a good lead at the first mark then it was just up to us to pick the shifts well to keep out in front.”

Which is precisely what the kiwi team did, playing the shifts and extending its lead around the track before popping up on the foils to cross the finish line and giving the large Navy Pier crowd something to cheer for.

It remains to be seen if the result will count- that all depends on tomorrows conditions.

RESULTS OF RACE 1 (Sailed on Friday)
SoftBank Team Japan (10 Points)
Artemis Racing (9 Points)
Groupama Team France (8 Points)
Emirates Team New Zealand (7 Points)
Land Rover BAR (6 Points)
Oracle Team USA (5 Points)

OVERALL WORLD SERIES STANDINGS
Emirates Team New Zealand: 251 points
Oracle Team USA: 241 Points
Land Rover BAR: 233 Points
SoftBank Team Japan: 213 Points
Artemis Racing: 210 Points
Groupama Team France: 202 Points

Tomorrow’s ‘Super Sunday’ is scheduled for three double points fleet races, which will decide the winner of Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Chicago.

LVACWS Chicago Sunday will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports NZ

LIVE ON SKY SPORT 3
Day 2 Monday 13th June, 6:30am, SKY Sport 3
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