The Orient Express returns to France and the America's Cup continues with the British in the lead

The America's Cup is one step closer to the final: the French Orient Express Racing Team has been the first team to fall out of the competition. After having gathered the fewest victories in the round robins, the team abandons the race for the trophy. Thus, Ineos Britannia, American Magic, the Italian Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli and the Swiss Alinghi Red Bull advance to the next phase and remain in contention, with their sights set on the final that will be disputed with Emirates Team New Zealand starting on October 12.

The unknown has been resolved after several days in which the competition has not only focused on the sea, but also on the sky. Rain and storms have been as much protagonists as the sailors, especially the lightning strike that fell a short distance from the Italian AC75 and forced the races to be halted on Tuesday.

The competition also had to be postponed on Sunday, when the first eliminated team was initially expected to be known. Finally, it has been the French, after a phase in which Ineos Britannia has risen as the leader of the classification, so they will be able to choose their rival from among the other three semifinalists.

The races and the unstable weather have not been the only protagonists of recent days: the 12 teams that will participate in the first women's America's Cup competition and in the third edition of the youth category have already disembarked in the Port Olímpic. The teams are already training from the renovated port and off the Barcelona coast, especially the young people, who will start the races on September 17. The women's competition will be held later, starting on October 5.

The Sail Team BCN is also already training from the Port Olímpic and from its base in the nearby Port Vell. The team with the Barcelona flag will compete alongside the invited teams to the America's Cup: the Netherlands, Canada, Germany, Sweden, and Australia, who will face the other six in the competition.