Earlier in the afternoon, bad weather forced the organisers to interrupt the last three qualifying rounds.
The last three races of the preliminary rounds of the America’s Cup, temporarily interrupted on Sunday due to the weather, will resume in the middle of the afternoon, the organizers announced. “All boats are called to return to the water”they said early in the afternoon, specifying that the first match of the day, Orient Express against Ineos Britannia, was scheduled to start at around 15:35. In the event that the first race has not started by 16:15, the heats will be abandoned for the day and postponed to a later date.
While the AC75s of the six teams entered had left the port for the first time at the end of the morning to start the races, the storm that had passed over the water had prompted the organizers to ask all the competitors to return to the hangars.
Crucial day for France
This final day of sailing is crucial for the French Orient Express challenge. Last in the standings (1 win, 6 losses), they absolutely must win against the British (5-2). At the same time, the Swiss Alinghi, (4th, 2-5), must lose in the 2nd regatta against the Italians of Luna Rossa (6-1) for the Blues to keep a chance of qualifying for the semi-finals. Then tied, the two teams would face each other in a play-off match for the 4th and last qualifying place.
American Magic (3rd, 4-4), Ineos Britannia and Luna Rossa are already assured of being in the final draw. The winner of this draw will face the New Zealanders to try to win the silver ewer, the oldest sporting trophy in the world, in October.
