In September 2013, San Franciso hosted for the first time America's Cup, the oldest trophy in international sport. The 34th edition consisted of a series of boat races between the defender, Oracle Team USA, and the challenger, Emirates Team New Zealand. It was the longest America's Cup, not only because of the best of 17 format, but also because it went to a winner-take-all race (for only the third time in the America's Cup history). At the same time, it was the fastest America's Cup, thanks to the use of high-tech 72 feet catamarans with wing sails 131 feet high. After being led 1-8, Oracle Team USA mounted an extraordinary comeback, winning the 8 last races. Images on this page are from the decisive race, which took place on September 25, 2013, with both teams tied to 8 all. New Zealand led on the first downwind race, but USA took advantage of superior upwind speed to overtake and then cruise to victory.
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