Oracle Team USA wins again, forces a showdown in America’s Cup

No matter who wins the America’s Cup, sailing fans are seeing the most thrilling action in the history of this 162-year-old regatta.

Oracle Team USA captured two more races Tuesday, evening the score at 8-8 and forcing a winner-take-all showdown on Wednesday.

Emirates New Zealand had held a commanding 8-1 lead before Oracle stormed back with seven consecutive victories over the last week on San Francisco Bay.

One more win by the American boat would cap the greatest comeback in Cup history.

What gives us confidence is that we’ve really improved the boat,” Oracle skipper Jimmy Spithill said. “The boat is going fantastic.”

On Tuesday, conditions seemed to favor Emirates with steady winds and a flood tide. The Kiwis had previously sailed faster on smooth waters.

But Oracle won race No. 17 with skillful jockeying at the start line. Even when Emirates held the advantage at the beginning of race No. 18, rounding the first mark and opening a 200-meter lead, it wasn’t enough.

Oracle, which has turned this competition by getting faster upwind, quickly recovered and made the pass.

The Americans won in convincing fashion, crossing the finish line with a 54-second lead.

The deciding race is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, weather permitting.

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