Emirates Team New Zealand to meet Azzurra for championship
The Kiwis swat away the pesky Russians after pinning a penalty on them
Semi Final Pair A
Emirates Team New Zealand d. Synergy Russia Sailing Team – Delta: 4:00
Team New Zealand 1, Synergy 0
Emirates Team New Zealand will meet Azzurra in the final of the Louis Vuitton Trophy Nice Côte d’Azur. The Kiwis advance after finally swatting away their nemesis, Synergy. The crews have sailed some thrilling matches in this regatta, but today’s heat was rather anti-climatic. After the first beat, anyway.
Team New Zealand started to the right to gain the starboard tack advantage. The Kiwis used it to leebow Synergy twice. On the third meeting Synergy was able to live on the windward quarter of their rival, much like in the first match between Azzurra and TeamOrigin.
In this match, however, Team New Zealand played the role of Azzurra and luffed from leeward. Both boats were on port tack and Synergy was obliged to keep clear. The on-water umpires deemed that Synergy did not keep clear and penalized the team.
Team New Zealand extended its lead around the course in the fading winds. The final delta was skewed in Team New Zealand’s favour because Synergy had to perform the 270-degree penalty turn on the finish line in the light winds.
The race committee hopes to start the Final this afternoon, but the morning wind has died and now it’s a matter of waiting for the afternoon seabreeze.
