INEOS Britannia Defeats Italy and Jimmy Spithill Retires From Cup Racing
It was a dramatic day of many highs and lows in Port Vell, Barcelona, today as INEOS Britannia won the Louis Vuitton Cup, defeating Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli 7-4. The British had complete control of the race for the most part as winds were remarkably consistent given the forecast. They will now go on to face Emirates Team New Zealand for the America’s Cup Match beginning October 12, in another best-of-13 series.
The breaking news of the day is that Luna Rossa co-helmsman and America’s Cup GOAT Jimmy Spithill announced he is retiring from Cup action to make way for the young guns in the sport.
We’ll have a full report in Monday’s ‘Lectronic, including interviews with Jimmy Spithill and Sir Ben Ainslie. In the meantime, here’s a snippet from the America’s Cup newsroom.
“Inches and hard yards were fought for in Barcelona today in a classic final race at the Louis Vuitton Cup, and when the dust settled from the on-water fireworks, it was INEOS Britannia that emerged as the top Challenger and secured their place in the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Match, where they will face the Defender Emirates Team New Zealand, with racing beginning on October 12.
“It is over 60 years since Great Britain had a yacht compete for the America’s Cup trophy in the final Match, and what INEOS Britannia has achieved here, winning against the vastly experienced challenge of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, cannot be underestimated.”
I saw it all yesterday. The horn blast salute as INEOS left harbor was both massive and moving. Congrats to the Brits 😀🇬🇧⛵️🇬🇧😀
Jimmy Spithill has distinguished himself as one of the great Skippers ever. His amazing performance with Oracle in 2013 will never be forgotten. I’m so thankful I was there to witness it. Thank you for giving it your all every single race.