French Team Eliminated from America's Cup Qualifiers
In a heartbreaking conclusion to their campaign, the French team from the Orient Express Challenge was eliminated from the Louis Vuitton Cup after a decisive defeat against Ineos Britannia in Barcelona. This marked a significant setback for the French sailors, who were vying for a chance to compete against the defending champions, New Zealand, in the prestigious America's Cup. Despite a promising start with a victory against the Swiss team Alinghi, the French crew managed only one win in eight races, finishing last in the standings.
Helmsmen Quentin Delapierre and Kevin Peponnet faced immense pressure in their final race, needing a win to keep their hopes alive. However, they were quickly outpaced by the British team, who dominated the race in more favorable conditions compared to the previous day’s storm.
A Legacy of Disappointment for French Sailing
The history of the America’s Cup has been challenging for French teams, with the last successful semi-final appearance occurring in 1992. The Orient Express Challenge, with the smallest budget among the six competing teams, struggled throughout the competition, unable to adapt to the complexities of the AC75 foiling boat. Team leader Stéphane Kandler expressed his disappointment, stating, "We're super disappointed, we believed in it until the end. We were aiming higher, there's no hiding it."
As the competition continues, Ineos Britannia will face Luna Rossa for the top position, while the French sailors will reflect on their journey, hoping for a brighter future in sailing.
- The America's Cup, established in 1851, is the oldest trophy in international sports, and despite numerous attempts, French teams have historically struggled to make significant progress. Their elimination this year marks another chapter in a long history of disappointments, as they continue to seek their first victory in this legendary sailing event.
