Jimmy Spithill and team aboard the American BMW ORACLE Racing led the 50-mile charge round the Isle of Wight while Ben Ainslie and team on the TEAMORIGIN suffered following a penalty for a starting infringement and then, round the back of the Island, lost her jib halyard. Thankfully there was no more major damage and the crew swiftly carried out repairs in time for the re-start of the race just past the Needles, where BMW ORACLE Racing were given a one-minute head start.
In spectacular style BMW ORACLE Racing, powered her way back down the Solent in front of thousands of spectators and crossed the Royal Yacht Squadron finish line two minutes ahead of the British team, to win the inaugural 1851 Cup.
Credit photo Gilles Martin-Raget/ BMW ORACLE Racing
From Cowes Week
