Righto, that’s all from me for now, but check back on site for Stephen Bergen’s report. Thanks for your company – ta-ra.
The NZ team look pretty chuffed. They’ll know that GB are improving, but then so are they.
Dylan Fletcher, meanwhile, says it was good to have a proper race after yesterday, but agrees his team need to find a way of making gains. “It’s getting closer and closer,” reckons Leigh McMillan, and one more little click should send it GB’s way.
Maybe … but I’m not convinced NZ are just going to stand still.
Ainslie, meanwhile, thinks it was a good race. GB got a good start and the first cross, but NZ are sailing really well, so his team need to find a way of finding some gains.
NZ are happy, their captain Nathan Outteridge saying it was a tight start. But once they were able to tack off the left-side boundary, once they got to the right, which they thought was pretty strong, they were able to get back into the race, making big strides in the team’s performance and that of the boat.
New Zealand win the fourth race of the America's Cup to lead GB 4-0!
So need three more victories to retain the trophy. GB started well, but when it came down to it couldn’t get close.
Updated
Here come NZ to claim that 4-0…
This is turning into something of a lesson for GB – they were in this race until they weren’t, and once NZ made the crucial move, the gap between the sides, now 312m, has only increased. But there’s a chasm in class too, measurable not in metres but in the 4-0 scoreline that is surely imminent.
As our crews turn for the final time, NZ lead by 24s, and this looks five to over. It’ll take a major error from the defenders to allow GB back in. I can’t see it.
The finish line has been moved a little, we’re told, but the gap is now 224m and that’ll take quite some closing. If NZ keep the head, they’ll go 4-0 in front.
GB draw nearer but NZ extend again, able to keep going straight as the challengers tack. With just a leg and half to go, they need to find something as quickly.
NZ turn first into leg five, GB following 15 seconds behind. Can they find a route through the water that allows them to close the gap?
NZ still lead as we near the end of leg four, and though any error will leave GB in position to punish them, you can’t help but wonder if class is telling.
“This high tech, person-free yachting leaves me cold,” emails Andrew Benton. “Bring back the good old days of crews perched in a line on one side as the boat leans at an alarming angle to the other. A complete contrast to the Asian Dragonboat races competition I watched this past weekend – individual power, stamina, technique, skill and coordination in abundance. Who needs tech, eh? I know which I prefer.”
I know what you mean. But I guess, like F1, when the sport is tech-based, the march of that tech is always likely to dictate change in the name of progress.
At halfway, NZ still lead, 13 seconds to the good. Can GB find something?
You can’t help but wonder, though, if NZ are just a little too good, maintaining and extending their lead. There’s still plenty of time for GB to come back at them, though, and, as I type, they close the gap a little. But it’s now at 120m, so Ainslie and crew need to find something.
Both boats look strong as we near the halfway point of leg three. NZ still lead, but GB are within striking distance, and this could be a helluva finish.
As we near the end of leg two, the boats converge, both hitting the bottom gate first time and, as they turn, NZ lead by a fraction.
The boats cross, NZ cutting across Britain; Aislie presses the protest button but the umpire doesn’t want ta kna. NZ lead, but GB remain well placed.
Britain nick in front at the end and they turn for leg two, NZ picking the quicker side of the water as we see the lads cycling to provide the oil the boats need. Still, there’s almost nothing to choose between the boats as we near the halfway mark of leg two.
Britain cross, trying to make it hard for NZ, but end up losing first place and, 9.5kn from the finish, they retake the lead but by very little. This is a proper tussle and NZ zoom past Britain as we near the finish!
NZ have to tack while Britain keep moving forward, the lead now six metres. They’re about halfway up the course, Britain still in front but NZ coming back at them in this first leg of six.
Britain lead by a little off the start, the gap now just a metre.
AND AWAY WE GO! Race four is under way!
Twenty seconds to go and all is calm … ish.
Both boats are out and will there be a pre-start clash today?
We’re just over three minutes away from the start. The wind limit has been met, so we’re going to have ourselves a race.
“With the exception of Ainslie’s moment of truth to the NZ commentator,” writes Joe Sailing, “this has been a pretty uninteresting final – let’s hope that changes today. I am starting to think that making the AC a one-design challenge might be the way to go – the womens final with GB and Prada was more interesting to watch. Personally I can’t look at this as sailing as it is so far removed from anything connected to ‘normal’ boats. It’s called the F1 of sailing, but at least F1 cars have four wheels on the ground.”
I know what you mean, but I guess the skills required are similar to those necessary for normal sailing.
GB’s Matt Gotrel, known as Shrek – presumably on account of his not insignificant size – thinks his team have a chance today. He thinks the “gloves will be off” after yesterday’s contretemps, and the squad have come together to get themselves going.
Is there anything in the world that’s better than working-day sport? The answer, dear friends, is helltotheno.
It is, of course, 60 years since Britain last qualified to compete for the America’s Cup. They beat Italy to earn the right, but the defending champs have been too strong so far.
Uncle Big Sir Jim Ratcliffe is now into sailing. Check out Nick Ames’ explainer on his sporting adventures and misadventures.
Some absolutely glorious snaps here, along with a potted history lesson.
More gen for you here…
So how does it work?
Teams must first compete in a series of regattas, culminating in the Louis Vuitton Cup, which determines the main event’s challenger. This year’s matchup will see Team New Zealand as the defender take on Ineos Britannia after the Britons won the right to challenge New Zealand by beating Italy’s Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli comfortably in the decisive race. The current format features a best of 13 series; the first to win seven races takes home the Cup. This year’s edition begins with the first two races on 12 October. After that, the third and fourth races are set for 13 October. Subsequent races will occur on 16 October for the fifth and sixth races and on 18 October for the seventh. If necessary, the eighth race will be held on 18 October, the ninth and 10th on 19 October, the 11th and 12th on 20 October. The final race, if required, will take place on 21 October.
Relive John Brewin’s blog of yesterday’s activities…
Preamble
Yesterday was not a good day for Britain and Ben Ainslie. Already trailing 2-0 to New Zealand, they first erred at the start – with Ainslie at the wheel – the ensuing 75m penalty effectively costing them the race.
Nor was that the end of the aggravation. The wind subsequently dropped, denying them the chance for immediate redemption, then Ainslie endured a tetchy exchange with a New Zealand commentator, calling him a “fucking wanker” once it was over only to discover his mic was still on. Happy Sunday Sir Ben!
Burt that was then and this is now. Our teams will shortly return to the start line for race four knowing that a win for Britain will change the complexion of things … but one for New Zealand and the lead will look unassailable.
Start: 2pm local, 1pm BST
Updated
