In an electrifying race on Day 5 of the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup, Group B delivered a stunning spectacle, with Australia stealing victory from Sweden in the dying moments. Despite Sweden dominating for much of the race, it was Australia who ultimately crossed the line first after a dramatic series of events in the final leg.
As the race began, Australia surged ahead, leading from the start. However, a swift manoeuvre from Sweden saw them quickly take the lead, only to suffer a penalty, temporarily dropping them to third place. Spain, yesterday’s winners, capitalised on Sweden’s setback and led the fleet through Gate 1 with a time of 3:58. Sweden was hot on their heels, just eight seconds behind, followed by the Netherlands, Canada, Australia, and a struggling Germany.
By the second leg, Sweden had regained the lead with a commanding performance, putting 100 metres between themselves and Spain. But the drama continued to unfold, as both Canada and Spain suffered setbacks, allowing Sweden to further extend their advantage. At Gate 2, Sweden passed through at 7:09, with Spain now 17 seconds adrift. Meanwhile, Canada’s penalty relegated them to the back of the pack.
The race’s intensity grew as Sweden showed no signs of letting up, maintaining their lead through Leg 3. As the shortened course neared its end, Sweden held a massive 400-metre lead over Spain, their nearest competitors. But just when victory seemed inevitable for the Swedish team, disaster struck in the final leg. After crossing the last gate at 11:46, Sweden fell off their foils, allowing Australia to storm past into the lead. Sweden slipped to third behind the Netherlands.
In a heart-stopping finish, Australia maintained their speed to clinch victory, crossing the finish line at 16:03, just 14 seconds ahead of a recovering Sweden, who reclaimed second place after the Netherlands suffered a nose dive. Spain finished fourth, Canada fifth, and Germany, after struggling throughout, brought up the rear in sixth place.
Despite the thrilling nature of the race, it was a bitter pill to swallow for the Swedish team, who had looked poised for victory until that critical error after coming into the final leg.
For Australia, however, it was a victory snatched from the jaws of defeat, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting remainder of the competition.
