Understanding America's Cup Match Racing

Not only does the boat have to be prepared but the crew has to be prepared both mentally and physically to meet their opponent. Therefore, it is important that boats are in the water and crews are practicing long before the America's Cup races even begin. Preparation is especially important for the challenging team that will have to race in the defenders local waters.

Beating one boat

Since the America's Cup consists of only match races (races between only two boats) the tactics of racing are different from that of fleet racing. In match racing you only have to beat one boat over the finish line and therefore all efforts can be concentrated on beating one boat. The first tactic of America's Cup racing is preparation.

Know your opponent & win the start

Before the races it is important that an America's Cup team finds out as much information about the sails and crew of the boat that they will be racing. The most basic tactic is to cross the starting line after the starting gun is fired in front of the opposition. However, when one boat is clearly faster than another, the faster has chosen to start at the same time or even after their opponent to ensure clear air. This tactic was used in the 1964 and 1967 America's Cup finals when it was clear than Constellation and Intrepid were faster than their opponents.

Like a chess game: Counter your opponents

Your time around the America's Cup race course is unimportant as you only have to beat your competitor over the finish line. On the race course, part of a winning strategy is watching your opponent very closely so that you can anticipate his maneouvers. Much like a chess game your maneuvers will counter your opponents. If the opponent tacks or changes direction it is important that your team has anticipated this in order to plan your strategy.

Be the first to the windward mark

The first leg of an America's Cup match is sailed upwind. On this leg the object is to be the first boat to the windward mark and be as far in front of the other boat as possible. If the boats are close then this is when a good rounding can lead either boat to victory. If the boat that rounds the weather mark first is far enough in front then usually that boat will cross the finish line first. However, after rounding the windward mark crew work becomes even more important. Even the smallest sail foul up can dramatically reduce a boats lead or even put them behind. Minor differences in sail-handling can change the outcome of a race on this leg.