America's Cup Media Release
With Emirates Team New Zealand leading the Louis Vuitton Cup Final 5-1, the Kiwi team is on the brink of winning its second consecutive challenger selection series.
Seven points are required to win the Final and advance to the America’s Cup Match in September against ORACLE TEAM USA. With two races scheduled today, the Emirates squad could wrap things with a productive afternoon.
But Italian skipper Max Sirena has other ideas. Although it’s becoming clear his team doesn’t have the speed to match the New Zealanders in moderate conditions, Sirena is hoping stronger winds could turn the tide.
Find out what's happening in Alamedafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“I hope these aren’t the final two races,” he said. “(According to the forecast) we’re going to sail in breeze, so we’ll see. We’re going to push to the end.”
Sirena is pinning his hopes on a forecast for stronger conditions today, where the boats are thought to be more evenly matched.
Find out what's happening in Alamedafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
For his part, Kiwi skipper Dean Barker acknowledges the team is firing on all cylinders and is happy with its speed versus the Italians.
“I think we have an advantage over them for sure,” Barker said. “Our boat’s going well. The reach to the first mark is reasonably even but I think we have a click there when we need it and that can be difference in getting around mark 1 in the lead… We have a lot of faith in our boat to deliver.”
Racing is scheduled to start at 1:10pm PT, with two races scheduled and can be viewed in the U.S. on NBC Sports Network on a tape-delayed basis beginning at 4:00pm PT. Internationally, the racing will be broadcast live on the America’s Cup YouTube Channelsubject to territorial restrictions. The full race replay will be available on YouTube shortly after the conclusion of the NBC Sports Network broadcast.
Come on over and enjoy the day at one of the two villages today . Piers 27 and Marina Green Seating Available here as well as free viewing on the Pier 27 really any where on the waterfront is great viewing or watch live on the JumboTron .
