A British yacht, INEOS Britannia, has secured a spot in the America’s Cup finals for the first time since 1964 by defeating Italy’s Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. Britannia clinched a 7-4 series victory over Luna Rossa, claiming the prestigious Louis Vuitton Cup as the top challenger among five competitors. Skippered by Olympic champion Ben Ainslie, Britannia will now face defending champions Team Emirates New Zealand in a best-of-seven series starting on October 12.
Despite its illustrious sailing history and numerous Olympic medals, Britain has never won the America’s Cup in its 173-year quest for the coveted trophy. The last time Britain came close to victory was 60 years ago, making this upcoming final against New Zealand a significant moment for British sailing.
The New Zealand team, having won the cup in 2017 and 2021, holds the advantage as defending champions, having selected the rules and locations for the regattas. However, Britannia has emerged as a formidable contender, showcasing exceptional speed and skill throughout the competition.
Backed by billionaire Jim Ratcliffe and supported by a partnership with the Mercedes Formula One team, Britannia’s victory over Luna Rossa marks a significant turnaround from their defeat in the 2021 event. The British team's impressive performance in the Louis Vuitton finals series highlighted their potential to challenge the reigning champions.
The America’s Cup, one of the oldest and most prestigious trophies in sailing, has only been won by four nations to date. With the United States leading with 30 titles, New Zealand has claimed victory three times, followed by Switzerland with two wins and Australia with one.
