The first official day of racing at the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Portsmouth saw huge crowds watching the action on the water as Sir Ben Ainslie’s team Land Rover BAR won 2 out of the 3 races in the fabulous summer sunshine.
The official opening ceremony saw the 6 elite sailing teams receiving a rapturous welcome from the crowds as they took to the main stage in the Race Village. Speaking before the 3 official races began, Sir Ben Ainslie said:
“Other than actually winning the America’s Cup, this is by far and away the biggest deal for us. Winning last year in front of guys was incredible for all of us. That’s why we compete; we want to do it in front of our home crowd. It looks like great racing and we’re going for it!”
The thousands of visitors enjoyed the interactive activities in the Race Village, including the 45ft Royal Navy climbing wall; the awesome Blokart land yachts; circus skills and the Tech Zone, featuring an AC45 catamaran used by the sailors and the grinding challenge proving popular with both the sailors and the public. The Blades aerobatic team put on a stunning aerial display at midday and racing then kicked off at 13:30.
The first race proved to be a tough start for Land Rover BAR, with a photo finish seeing them end in fifth place. Sir Ben said:
“It was very tight racing in quite light and difficult winds. We got caught out in the first race. We were in a strong position and then got stuck with Japan and both of us sailed ourselves to the back of the fleet from second and third which was really frustrating.”
The team regrouped and then stormed to victory in races two and three to applause and cheers from the home crowds waving Union Jack flags. Land Rover BAR wing trimmer Paul ‘CJ’ Campbell-James said:
“It is absolutely amazing looking towards the shore and seeing that many Union Jacks and hearing the cheers! It really pumps us up and we end pulling the ropes a bit harder and turning the drums a bit faster.”
The racing action continues today and points are doubled on ‘Super Sunday’.
Featured photo: SHAUN ROSTER
