GBR Challenge wins historic race with Americas Cup Teams

After a dramatic re-enactment of the historic first race for the America's Cup, around the Isle of Wight, GBR Challenge emerged victorious. The British team in the 2000 generation former Nippon Challenge yacht, GBR 52, won the 150th anniversary race after Prada incurred a penalty, the extent of which will be decided tomorrow when the jury re-adjourn. Whilst pursuing GBR 52 over the last mile of the race course, Prada sailed higher to escape the adverse tide and crossed the line just seconds in front. In the process, the Italian yacht sailed into the exclusion zone, and luffed GBR 52, forcing the British yacht into the area.

The race itself saw one of the most exciting ever races around the island. After 50 miles of racing Prada overtook GBR 52, which had led from the start, to pip the British team by two seconds on the water.

Walker paid tribute to his navigator, Julian Salter, for the victory:" Jules did a great job today. On three occasions on the last run, the depth was under a metre, over a rocky ledge!"

As the Royal Yacht Squadron fired the starting cannon for the 1130 start, it was GBR 52 helmed by Ian Walker, and Andy Beadsworth steering GBR 41 that led the fleet away in a 10-12 knot southerly. The two British boats started at the pin end of the line, at full speed as the gun was fired, with Prada and Team New Zealand close behind.

As the pressure built, GBR 52 extended her lead, with Team New Zealand in second place and Prada in third. GBR 41 in fourth place got involved in a tacking duel with America 3 to leeward of the ACC fleet. Just before the forts, the veteran American yacht overhauled the British crew.

Andy Beadsworth, helmsman of GBR 41 outlined the situation on board the yacht. "We had a good start, with GBR 41 and GBR 52 starting best. Our performance decreased as we progressed as we started to take a lot of water on board. We had to man the pumps and dropped from 2nd to 5th."

At the front of the fleet, GBR 52 continued to extend her lead to St Catherine's point, and was in a dominant position as the fleet turned for home at the Needles. However, as Prada cut down the British team's lead, GBR 52 suffered the misfortune of her spinnaker pole track tearing from the mast. The result was that the Italian team closed within a boat length of the British boat.

GBR 52 held their slender lead towards the line but as Prada continued to luff them, the British could not lay the distance marker without gybing. After two gybes with a damaged spinnaker pole, the British boat lost crucial speed and Prada managed to take the gun.

However, the jury decided to uphold the claims of the British team, ensuring a win for the home nation in the historical race.

More Information:

• YachtsandYachting.com America's Cup Jubilee Page