In what promised to be a thrilling contest, the UK team faced off against the Swiss in a race that kept spectators on the edge of their seats from the start, by the finish a lot less so. Both teams, having endured losses in previous matches, were eager to prove their prowess in this crucial race.
The anticipation was palpable as the teams lined up, both looking formidable before the start. The race began at 12:10 AM (NZT), with the UK and Swiss teams neck and neck, neither willing to give an inch. The Swiss made the first bold move, taking the lead with a 40-metre advantage, but the UK team quickly closed the gap as they headed down the first leg.
As the race progressed, the tension only increased. At the four-minute mark, both teams rounded the bottom mark simultaneously, with just four seconds separating them. UK then surged ahead in the second leg, pulling an 80-metre lead. This lead suggested a potential turning point, but the race was far from over.
By the eight-minute mark, INEOS had developed and maintained its lead, rounding the second leg closely followed by Alinghi. This was shaping up to be one of the closest races watched so far in the competition. As the teams approached the third leg, the UK extended its lead to 140 metres, further consolidating its advantage. Close no longer.
At 12 minutes, the UK team rounded gate three, with the Swiss hot on their heels. The two teams raced down leg four at impressive speeds, averaging 40 knots in just 10 knots of wind. Despite the Swiss team’s best efforts, the UK began to pull away, creating a significant gap. By the time they reached the fourth gate at 16 minutes, the UK team had built a 500-metre lead.
Although the Swiss managed to reduce the gap to 300 metres, the UK remained in control. At the 20-minute mark, UK rounded the final gate, with the Swiss team trailing 20 seconds behind. As the race drew to a close, the UK team extended their lead to 600 metres, securing a comfortable victory.
At 23 minutes, the UK team crossed the finish line, a full 600 metres ahead of their Swiss counterparts. The Swiss team finished 33 seconds later, marking the end of a race that started as a close contest but ultimately saw the UK team dominate from the third leg onwards.
The race was a testament to the UK’s skill and strategy, particularly in capturing the downwind section, which proved decisive in their victory. While the Swiss team showed great promise at the start, the outcome was a disappointing one for them, as the UK team surged ahead to secure a well-deserved win.
