Maik Hahn for Bonnet Magazine - Oct 20 2024

New Zealand's Historic Triumph: Emirates Team New Zealand Clinches Third Consecutive America’s Cup in Barcelona

AMERICA'S CUP PRINT-01.jpeg__PID:3ef7aef9-fa3c-4c17-b69c-0c9d93ecfd68

The 2024 America's Cup in Barcelona was a masterclass in sailing excellence, where Emirates Team New Zealand cemented their legacy by claiming the coveted Auld Mug for the third consecutive time. In doing so, they etched their name into the annals of modern sailing, becoming the first team to accomplish such a feat in the competition’s long and storied history. For Ineos Britannia, however, it was another heartbreaking chapter in their 173-year quest to bring the trophy back to Britain.

The final race day unfolded in near-perfect conditions for the New Zealanders. The calm waters of the Mediterranean, with barely a ripple in sight, set the stage for Taihoro to showcase its prowess. Designed to thrive in light winds, the New Zealand boat seemed almost otherworldly, cutting through the stillness with a precision that left their competitors struggling to keep pace. For the British team, it was a sobering reminder that their strength lay in choppier, more turbulent waters—the only time they managed to defeat Taihoro in this regatta was when the seas were rougher.


AMERICA'S CUP PRINT-09.jpeg__PID:769c0c9d-93ec-4d68-844d-7de503cb186a

From the outset, the air in Port Vell was charged with anticipation. Fans, spectators, and the glitterati of the sailing world, many aboard mega yachts, had gathered to witness the climax of this storied event. Down in the New Zealand camp, confidence was palpable. Their dock-out ceremony was accompanied by a soundtrack of Kiwi anthems, How Bizarre bouncing off the masts of multi-million-dollar yachts, setting the tone for what many expected to be a coronation rather than a contest.

Yet Ben Ainslie, Britain’s decorated skipper, was not about to let the cup slip away without a fight. In the pre-start, his expert handling of Britannia gave the British team a brief edge, sparking hope among their loyal supporters. As the boats crossed the line, Britannia led by a whisker, and for a moment, it seemed as though the underdogs might pull off a stunning upset.

AMERICA'S CUP PRINT-02.jpeg__PID:f7aef9fa-3cfc-4776-9c0c-9d93ecfd6844


However, Taihoro quickly demonstrated why they were the team to beat. Taking advantage of the faster right side of the course, the New Zealanders surged ahead, building a 200-meter lead by the first mark. The race, to all appearances, was slipping out of Britain’s grasp. But just as the finish seemed inevitable, Ainslie and his team mounted an audacious comeback. Leveraging the same advantageous right-hand side, they began to close the gap, and the distance between the boats shrank dramatically—from 200 meters, to 100, then 50, then 10. For a fleeting moment, it seemed Britannia would overtake their rivals as the boats entered the third mark.

“It felt like our chance, our moment,” Ainslie later remarked, reflecting on what could have been a turning point. But Taihoro held firm, with the New Zealanders responding with the poise and control of seasoned champions. They pulled away on the downwind leg, their smaller foils allowing them to carve through the calm waters, leaving Britannia trailing once again. From that point onward, there was no catching them.

AMERICA'S CUP PRINT-08.jpeg__PID:17769c0c-9d93-4cfd-a844-4d7de503cb18

As they crossed the finish line, the celebrations began. Emirates Team New Zealand had done what no team had ever done in the modern era—win three America’s Cups in succession. Their victory was not just a testament to superior boat design but also to their seamless teamwork and tactical brilliance. In the end, the final match score stood at 7-2, a clear reflection of their dominance throughout the series.

For Ineos Britannia, the defeat was bittersweet. While their campaign fell short, the resilience of the team and their ability to challenge the very best offers hope for the future. Ainslie, ever the competitor, vowed to return, confirming that Ineos Britannia would once again be the official challenger of record for the 38th America’s Cup. “We’re getting closer,” Ainslie noted. “This was our third go, and we’ll keep fighting until we bring the cup home.”

AMERICA'S CUP PRINT-11.jpeg__PID:0c9d93ec-fd68-444d-bde5-03cb186a2b7f

Yet on this day, the spotlight belonged to Emirates Team New Zealand. Their triumph in Barcelona was a spectacle of technical mastery, leadership, and unwavering determination—an unforgettable moment in the grand narrative of the America's Cup. And as the sun set over the Mediterranean, casting golden hues across Port Vell, it was clear that the Kiwis had not only won a race but further solidified their place in the pantheon of sailing legends.

For those looking to relive the magic of this historic regatta, exclusive limited-edition fine art prints are now available for purchase on BonnetMagazine, featuring breathtaking photography by renowned photographer Rodrigo Egea. These stunning images, capturing the most iconic moments of the 2024 America's Cup, are available in limited quantities. Printed on premium Hahnemühle Pearl paper, each print comes with a certificate of authenticity, offering collectors a rare opportunity to own a piece of America’s Cup history. Available exclusively on BonnetMagazine.com, Rodrigo Egea's masterful work immortalizes the spirit of this extraordinary regatta.

AMERICA'S CUP PRINT-05.jpeg__PID:fa3cfc17-769c-4c9d-93ec-fd68444d7de5


Maik Hahn for BonnetMagazine - all photographs  provided by Rodrigo Egea