As the final tribute to Orient Express Racing Team, we have included a significant picture montage in this report
The day began with an unwelcome delay due to light winds. The forecast had predicted 11 knots, but as the race time approached, the wind was still too weak. Ten minutes after the scheduled start time, the race finally commenced at 12:18am NZT (2:18pm CET), with both boats eager to make the most of the shifting wind conditions.
Despite the pressure, Orient Express got off to an impressive start, crossing the start line first and taking the early lead as the wind remained light. The French team knew they had to push hard, with little margin for error, particularly given the unpredictability of the conditions. Any mistake, such as falling off their foils, would cost them dearly. And yet, for the opening leg, they managed to stay ahead, giving fans hope of a potential upset.
Twenty metres later Orient Express Racing Team gave up their lead and second by second INEOS went further ahead.
However, as the race progressed, the experience and skill of INEOS Britannia became more obvious. The British team, coming off a strong victory against the previously undefeated Luna Rossa, were the favourites in this race, and they quickly demonstrated why. Halfway through the first leg, they overtook the French, building a lead of 150 metres, which continued to grow as the race went on.
By the time INEOS reached the first gate at 3 minutes, 34 seconds, their lead had stretched to 25 seconds. The French, though not far behind, were already starting to feel the pressure, knowing they couldn’t afford to let the British extend their advantage further. As both boats navigated the light winds and tricky conditions, the gap continued to fluctuate. At times, the French managed to close the distance, bringing the lead down to 100 metres, but INEOS responded by finding wind pockets and stretching their lead again.
As the race progressed through the second and third gates, INEOS maintained control, with their lead fluctuating between 500 and 600 metres. The French, pushing hard, couldn’t quite close the gap despite several bursts of speed. By the time both teams reached the fourth gate, INEOS was firmly in command, going through 1 minute and 4 seconds ahead of Orient Express.
The crucial moment came towards the end of the race, when the French briefly fell off their foils, struggling to recover quickly enough to challenge the British. This allowed INEOS to extend their lead even further. By the time INEOS Britannia crossed the finish line at 23:00, the French were 1 minute and 11 seconds behind, signalling the end of their America’s Cup 37 campaign.
This victory puts INEOS Britannia in a tie with Luna Rossa at the top of the leaderboard. The Italian team must now win their upcoming race to secure first place outright. If they lose, there will be a deciding race to determine the top team.
Though the French team has been eliminated, their performance in their debut America’s Cup was impressive. In an emotional farewell, the INEOS captain praised the French team’s effort, calling them “a great young team,” as they left the competition with their heads held high.
