America's Cup: Oracle overtakes Team NZ to win decider

Oracle Team USA has retained the America's Cup in another display of superior speed on San Francisco Bay.

NBR staff
Thu, 26 Sep 2013

Oracle Team USA has retained the America's Cup in another display of superior speed on San Francisco Bay.

Emirates Team New Zealand gained the advantage at the start when Oracle briefly nose-dived trying to go on its foils.

The lead was soon out to 40m with Team NZ looking good with a 6s to spare at the first marker.

The race was still close at the second marker with Team NZ having a lead of only 3s.

Oracle lunged for the lead in a crossover but dipped, as Team NZ held on.

But Oracle's pressure paid off and it took the lead by 40m to gain a crossover using its faster upwind advantage.

Team NZ had no match for Oracle's speed and was 200m behind heading to the third marker.

Oracle took control of the race and extended its lead to 300m in the same leg that gave it victory in previous races.

The margin at the third marker was 26s as Oracle took to the foils for the fast downwind leg.

Halfway down, the lead further extended, leaving the outcome in no doubt at the final marker.

The winning margin was 44s

Earlier
Just one race on San Francisco Bay today will decide the America's Cup, due to start at 8.15am (NZ time).

Wind conditions are similar to those prevailing yesterday, when Oracle Team USA won two races back-to-back and took the series to 8-8.

Oracle also has two more wins than Emirates Team New Zealand after being penalising before racing began.

NBR staff
Thu, 26 Sep 2013