The third day of Women’s America’s Cup racing saw tricky gusty conditions causing issues and resulting in significant damage to one of the AC40sThe third day of the Puig Women\u2019s America\u2019s Cup saw racing disrupted after damage to one of the shared one-design AC40s (the Canadian Concord Pacific Racing Team\u2019s boat) forced a schedule change. The day was originally scheduled to feature both Group A (America\u2019s Cup Teams) and Group B (Invited Teams). But racing for Group A was postponed to Thursday 10 October following the incident.
\nThis left the focus on the intense battle among the Invited Teams for semi-final spots, with unpredictable conditions challenging the crews. the top three crews from each Group go through to the Semi-Finals so 50% of the fleet would be sent home at the end of the day\u2019s racing.
\nThe Swedish Challenge powered by Artemis Technologies took full advantage of the day, overcoming their slow start in the competition. They won all four races, climbing from fourth to first in the standings and securing a Women\u2019s America\u2019s Cup Semi-Final spot.
\nSweden walked away with four wins in the difficult conditions. Photo: Ian Roman \/ America\u2019s Cup
\nHelmswoman Vilma Bobeck expressed relief after a strong performance, noting how the challenging, gusty winds felt familiar from their training in Stockholm. \u201cWe just put everything together today,\u201d she said, highlighting the team\u2019s sharp decision-making in shifty conditions.
\nBehind Sweden, the race for the remaining two podium spots remained tight. JAJO Team DutchSail, who had been the standout performers to date to lead overnight, maintained their consistency and claimed second place overall, securing their place in the semi-finals. Helmswoman Willemijn Offerman praised her team\u2019s efforts. \u201cI\u2019m so proud of the whole team, both on the boat and onshore,\u201d she said, adding that they were excited for another day of racing later in the week.
\nThe final semi-final position was decided in a dramatic finish between Sail Team BCN and Team Andoo Australia. Despite struggles throughout the day, the local Spanish team kept their composure, winning a crucial match-race against the Australians to clinch third place. Mar\u00eda Cantero, trimmer for Sail Team BCN, reflected on their ability to recover quickly from mistakes, saying, \u201cToday was about connecting the dots and going the fastest to the next mark.\u201d
\nPhoto: Ricardo Pinto \/ America\u2019s Cup
\nFor Team Andoo Australia, it was a tough day. Despite moments of brilliance, they couldn\u2019t find consistent speed and dropped out of the top three. Skipper Olivia Price remained positive despite the result, appreciating the opportunity to compete in the inaugural Women\u2019s America\u2019s Cup. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t the result we came here for, but it\u2019s still a moment to celebrate,\u201d she said, expressing optimism for future participation.
\nAs the semi-finals approach, the top Invited Teams\u2014Sweden, Netherlands, and Spain\u2014now prepare to face the America\u2019s Cup Teams in what promises to be a highly competitive showdown.
\nFollow all of our 2024 America\u2019s Cup coverage
\nThe post Sweden dominates during Women\u2019s America\u2019s Cup Semi-Final decider but damage delays racing for America\u2019s Cup teams appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The third day of Women’s America’s Cup racing saw tricky gusty conditions causing issues and resulting in significant damage to one of the AC40sThe third day of the Puig Women\u2019s America\u2019s Cup saw racing disrupted after damage to one of … <\/p>\n