[Here's an update to my previous post on Monday] With Team USA making another excellent comeback to win races 17 and 18 on Tuesday and closing the score to a tie of 8-8, Wednesday's race 19 was going to be THE winner-takes-all final race. The first to win 9 races wins the Cup.
Hence, on Wednesday, I returned to the pier and watched the race live as a guest of Oracle. It was a pleasure to wine and dine at the Oracle Box, taking in the race from the elevated vantage point of the deck. Notably, the crowd on Wednesday was significantly larger than on Monday - both on the water and along the shoreline.
This was a fairy-tale win for Team USA. They had previously incurred a penalty imposed by the International Jury for a rule violation in previous events which nullified their first two wins. The team then trailed Team New Zealand by a large margin but managed a dramatic comeback to win the Cup.
It's unbelievable how close Team New Zealand was to winning - since last Wednesday, they were one victory away from winning the "Auld Mug". I can only imagine the mental strain and pressure both teams have endured over the past week or two. Team USA seemed to have a better strategy over the Kiwis at the final race. They were able to make incredible turns at the marks and held a good boat speed momentum (averaging at 30+ knots) throughout most of the race.
After all the trials and hurdles, the Cup is now over. There will always be critics and judgments about the event. Whether this Cup was an ego-boost for the Oracle founder or if Team USA had an unfair advantage, as a firsthand witness to the Cup, I have to say this was an impressively staged event for both families and sports enthusiasts alike.
Ultimately, in my opinion, this was more than just a competition - it was a true test of teamwork, grit, and ingenuity in the face of nature's unpredictability. It brought together brilliant minds and skilled hands to craft a state-of-the-art sailboat that pushed boundaries and defied expectations. This wasn't a space for prima donnas or whiners; it demanded humility, courage, and a willingness to rise to the occasion. For that, I tip my hat to the sailors and organizers alike.
Next post: Sequoia National Park, California, USA
