Britain to contest inaugural Women’s America’s Cup final

Britain and Italy will face off in the first-ever Women’s America’s Cup final on Saturday, after advancing through a four-race semi-final in Barcelona.

The British Athena Pathway team, captained by Hannah Mills, clinched the third race on Friday and held off competitors from Spain, Sweden, New Zealand, and the Netherlands to secure their spot.

Competing in cutting-edge foiling AC40 monohulls, which rise just above the water on hydrofoils, the sleek black-sailed boats reached speeds of approximately 30 knots as they navigated the course.

“That was incredibly stressful,” Mills remarked during the America’s Cup live broadcast.

The two-time Olympic gold medallist in the Women’s 470 added, “It’s unbelievable to be in the first Women’s America’s Cup final. We are all ecstatic.

“We’ll savor this moment and then prepare for what promises to be an exciting, action-packed race against the Italians.”

The event has been celebrated as a crucial opportunity for women to gain experience in these advanced foiling boats, traditionally dominated by men, thus enhancing their prospects in professional sailing.

“It’s pure joy, I’m over the moon,” said Italian co-helm Giulia Conti about reaching the final, which organizers have now rescheduled to take place on Saturday, a day earlier than initially planned.