Ok we're getting really close to the showdown now. Only 9 days until the all four yachts enter battle for the Christmas Cup, a competition which will likely point us in the right direction when it comes to the Americas Cup. The clip explains some of the science behind the "bustle. " (the rear of the hull behind the keel) and what it'll mean when the yachts clash.
Day 1 of the practice sessions for the Christmas Cup. Te Rehutai, Luna Rossa & Patriot all had useful hit outs, but Britannia had to be towed back to the sheds after appears to be some kind of onboard failure.
Day 2 of the Official Practice Sessions for the Christmas Cup which is to begin on the 17th. Again there was no sign of Eneos Team UK's yacht Britannia which has caused much speculation among pundits. The general though is that there has to be something wrong with the yacht or they are undergoing some kind of "panic" adjustments to a bad concept. Either way, thinks are not looking good for the Brits. Also missing was the US challenger Patriot. She may have damaged the top of her mainsail on Day 1. This left just Te Rehutai and Luna Rossa on the course.
Just 3 days now until the Christmas Cup. All four yachts hit the water today and did some match racing. Te Rehutai and Britannia locked horns as did Patriot and Luna Rossa. Are teams sandbagging?
Two days to go and Ineos Team UK seem to be making heavy weather of things. Desperation time me thinks. But the one ace they have up their sleeve is their skipper Sir Ben Ainslie, the most decorated sailor in Olympic history. Come Thursday, he'll need to be on top of his game if he's to make Britannia competitive.