The race began under ominous skies, with slow winds adding an extra layer of complexity to the start. France and the US struggled to stay on their foils from the get-go, and the wind proved unreliable throughout the race. The Swiss initially took the lead, but Italy soon muscled their way ahead, gaining a 50-metre advantage over second-placed New Zealand as they moved through Leg 1.
With winds averaging around 10 knots and choppy waves making steering difficult, the race continued to throw challenges at the teams. Italy reached the first gate at 2 minutes, 49 seconds, closely followed by New Zealand just 7 seconds later, demonstrating the tight competition between these two early on. The Swiss trailed behind, coming through 31 seconds after the Italians, with the UK following a further 10 seconds later.
Despite the difficult conditions, all boats reached speeds of around 31 knots by Leg 2. However, Italy maintained their lead, showing composure and control in the face of worsening weather. New Zealand, once a close contender, began to fall behind.
As the race progressed, Italy continued to dominate, completing their third gate at 9 minutes and 19 seconds, with UK following 17 seconds later. New Zealand, once neck and neck with the UK, now lagged 28 seconds behind, unable to keep pace. The Swiss, too, were struggling, now trailing far behind New Zealand.
By Gate 4, the gaps had widened further. Italy passed through at 12 minutes and 7 seconds, while the UK followed a full 55 seconds later. New Zealand, plagued with an inability to stay on foils, fell off their foils yet again as they approached the gate, marking a significant setback. Meanwhile, the Swiss passed through, though they were significantly behind both leading teams.
With New Zealand returning to the starting area to address their issues, the race for the top spot seemed all but over, Italy firmly in control and sailing smoothly. Their lead extended to a whopping 300 metres by the final gate, which they passed through at 16 minutes leaving the UK and Switzerland battling it out for the second place.
In a moment of high drama, Italy briefly nosedived, narrowly avoiding capsizing. Quick recovery meant they regained momentum and crossed the finish line in 18:34, securing a second victory for the day. Meanwhile, the UK and Switzerland were locked in a tight duel for second place, with the UK just managing to edge ahead and finish metres in front of Switzerland, who fell off their foils just before the line. Switzerland ultimately crossed the line 53 seconds after the UK.
New Zealand, determined to salvage something from the race, eventually got back on their foils. Though far behind, they managed to complete the race, albeit finishing significantly later than their competitors. Good on them!
For Italy, the day marked a clean sweep, with two consecutive victories putting them in a commanding position. As for the UK and Switzerland, their battle for second place in this race might be a precursor to future close contests as the Youth America’s Cup progresses.
