From the moment the boats shot out of the gate, the race was neck and neck. Italy, fresh off their confident victory earlier in the day, took a slight 10-metre lead, only for the UK to respond by snatching it back when Italy briefly touched down on the water. It was the UK who found their rhythm early, edging ahead and holding a 40-metre advantage three-quarters of the way through the first leg.
By the time both teams reached Gate 1, the British had widened the gap to an impressive 150 metres, crossing the gate at 3:34. Italy followed seven seconds later, a stark contrast to their earlier dominance. It was clear from the start that this race would be very different from the last.
The UK, sailing at an incredible 47 knots, kept up their momentum into the second leg, stretching their lead to 250 metres. Italy struggled to match their pace, lagging at 39 knots and losing further ground as the race progressed. By Gate 2, the UK had extended their lead by another 17 seconds, showing their relentless push to control the race.
However, the Italians refused to go down without a fight. Applying pressure on the British, they closed the gap slightly, reducing the distance to just 90 metres midway through Leg 3. The UK held their nerve, navigating tricky conditions with precision, and crossed Gate 3 at 10:19, with Italy only seven seconds behind – a significant gain of 10 seconds from the previous leg.
Yet, despite Luna Rossa’s best efforts, the INEOS held firm. As the race entered Leg 4, the British team maintained a steady 200-metre lead, both boats flying across the water at speeds of 46 knots. The tension was palpable as the teams tore through Gate 4, with the INEOS’s lead fluctuating slightly but never falling below 200 metres.
By Gate 5, the UK’s dominance was clear. They crossed at 17:11, with Italy following 10 seconds later. Despite Italy’s occasional gains, the British team’s consistency and speed ensured that the Italians were always just out of reach. Going into Leg 6, the UK held a 300-metre lead, and with both teams at near identical speeds, it seemed inevitable that this race would belong to the Brits.
As the UK reached Gate 6 at 20:07, Italy continued to chase but remained 15 seconds behind, and by Leg 7, the gap stabilised at around 250 metres. Both teams reached remarkable speeds of 40 knots upwind, but the UK maintained their lead with flawless execution. The Italians, despite their best efforts, couldn’t force the mistakes they needed from the UK.
The final leg saw the UK cross the last gate at 24:19, 250 metres ahead of their Italian rivals. With only one leg left, it was clear the British team had done enough. They maintained their lead and crossed the finish line in a time of 27:45. Italy followed just 18 seconds later, a much closer margin than the previous race but still a decisive victory for the British.
This win marks a significant shift in the Challenger Series, proving that the UK is more than capable of taking the fight to the Italians. After a masterclass performance by Italy in the first race, today’s result shows that the tides can turn quickly in this high-stakes competition. As both teams gear up for future races, the stage is set for an intense battle ahead.
With both Italy and the UK now having one win each, the Challenger Series is wide open. The next race promises even more drama, as these two sailing powerhouses continue their pursuit of the ultimate prize – a shot at the America’s Cup title against New Zealand.
