Letter from America's Cup #6: You've got to be in it to win it and now we are in it by Mark Covell
Published 12:05 on 10 Oct 2024
Photo credit Ian Roman / America's Cup
You would have to be hiding under a landlocked stone not to have heard the fantastic news that INEOS Britannia have just won the Challenger Series hosted by Louis Vuitton, here in Barcelona.
It's been 60 years since Britain had the opportunity to compete in the America's Cup match itself. Over the last 174 years, since the fateful 100 Guinea Cup race around the Isle of Wight, there has been so much salty water history under the bridge. I only mention that to remind you what a big deal this is. Over the last two months they have beaten five impressive AC - teams, France, Switzerland, America and Italy. Congratulations to all involved.
For the final race I was commentating in the VIP AC37 Hospitality Club for some special guests and senior INEOS staff. I actually thought that the racing bulldog himself Jimmy Spithill was going to be more aggressive, but the British shut the Italians down in a near perfect performance. I don't think I have ever struggled so much to keep my emotions in check while trying to sound professional. As the British crossed the line all the weeks of tension and stress fell away to be replaced by tears of joy. Looking like a happy collective of onion slicers, red-eyed and grinning, we headed back to the Ineos team base in readiness for the triumphant dock in. Sing when you're winning was the order of the day and all to the tune of every superyacht horn in the city.
Warps were thrown and the precious AC75 race boat 'Rita' was made safe. Instead of the whole crew running to their loved ones, the shore team calmly stepped on board for the everyday post-race checks and business as usual. It was at this point that we were all reminded of the real reason we were here. Winning the LV Cup was just the first step. This team had only won the right to challenge. The America's Cup match regatta starts on Saturday 12 October but right now there were sails to put back in the rack and work to be done. In a wonderful show of strength and unity the entire sailing crew lifted the fully battened main sail above their heads and marched up the dock in military style, eyes front, but with the biggest grins on their faces. I bet that 145 m2 (1,560 sq ft) sail bag felt as light as a feather. Jobs complete and the boat keys handed over, the dock descended into a bubble of bubbles as Champagne corks shot into the air. I felt very privileged to have been one of the lucky few on that dock. On the stage later that evening clutching the shining trophy in his arms Sir Ben Ainslie paid tribute to past British campaigns. Having been on the crew in 2003, I know just how much this moment meant to his whole team. One member who knows this more than most is Cyclor Freddy Carr. He was the first to scream his unbounded delight as they crossed the line. Over his five long unsuccessful AC campaigns he has been the solid backbone providing a little light humour when times are hard and offering mature advice to those less experienced cup cubs. "How do you like me now !!" He yelled.
As well as all the many spinoff regattas being held here, from the majestic J Class to the giant gin palaces and super yachts, this edition of the Cup has one more highlight to celebrate. The Puig Women's America's Cup is being held here this week and like the youth event the standard is impressively high. It's looking like this AC40 final will be a re-run of the AC75 - a winner takes all Britain vs Italy cup clash.
I started this run of letters from the America's Cup by asking you to dare to dream. Two months into this Spanish sea siesta I don't want to wake up. It's no longer a dream for the whole British team, they believe they can do this.
I can't give you any dockside inside information on how Emirates Team New Zealand will do. I know they are good, but without the battle-hardened experience that the Brits have gained, how race ready are they?
People are predicting another close combat. The forecast is looking unpredictable for the first weekend with some nice British rain on the cards. Maybe this is a good omen for us, so book your tickets, bring your Union Jack brollies and come on down to witness a bit of maritime history. This time it's the British Armada invading the Spanish shores.