Kiwis Still Need Three Wins

Although Emirates Team New Zealand has been dominating the Italian-backed Luna Rossa Challenge during the Louis Vuitton Cup (now 4 to 1), they aren’t yet popping celebratory Champagne, as they still need three more wins to cinch the LVC and advance to the big show — the America’s Cup 34 Finals, beginning September 7. And every racer on the course is acutely aware that given the tremendous loads these still-experimental speed machines must endure, the threat of gear breakage is ever-present.

We’d be tempted to say, "It ain’t over till the fat lady sings." But then there are no ladies in this contest, and scarcely an ounce of body fat among all team members. As is frequently noted, there has never been a class of AC boats that’s more physically demanding, edgier or faster. 

Race 6 takes place today on the Cityfront at 1:10 p.m. and can be viewed live (in the U.S.) on ESPN3, beginning at 1. YouTube will carry it Internationally, and will make the complete race video available to all shortly after completion of the race. Races 7 and 8 are scheduled tomorrow. For complete info see the official AC 34 site.