Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Challenger Play-offs

Semi-final 2, Race 3: SoftBank Team Japan bt Artemis Racing by retirement

Team Japan made a far superior start and are the quicker of the two teams on to their foils.

Both syndicates are flying around course at the highest speeds seen so far, with the conditions at the very edge of the wind limit.

Artemis appear to lose a piece of their boat on the third leg — it looks like fairing at the front of the boat — but it does not seem to be causing too many problems at this stage as they close the gap after a mistake by Dean Barker, the Team Japan skipper.

Artemis lose a huge amount of ground, getting into a horrible tangle coming through the fourth gate and flipping on to one side. There does now appear to be some damage to the Swedes’ boat; reports suggest it is a daggerboard issue.

Barker and crew have been throwing away leads all competition but are now miles in front of their opponents.

Nathan Outteridge’s Artemis are simply well off the pace in this one. Losing that piece of boat could not have helped. The Swedes are usually quicker in the higher winds.

It is a white-knuckle ride on the Great Sound, but Team Japan are handling the tough conditions impressively.

Artemis have retired although Team Japan cross the line. It appears there is also some slight damage to the Japanese team’s boat, although nothing to overly worry about for Barker.

A big win for Team Japan, who are now 2-1 ahead, and problems to resolve for Artemis.

Semi-final 1, Race 3: Emirates Team New Zealand bt Land Rover BAR by 2:14

Two-nil without even completing a race, Land Rover BAR are back on the water with their spare wing after breaking their first choice in yesterday’s opening race.

It was the Kiwis, however, who suffered boat problems today, breaking their wing sail in practice and are now also using their back-up.

Sir Ben Ainslie is drawing upon all of his experience in handling these conditions and makes a stronger start, opening up a modest gap between the two boats by the third of nine legs.

The rain is hammering down on the Great Sound but proud Brit Ainslie is perhaps more familiar to this rough weather!

What a difference a day makes. BAR endured a calamitous Monday but are holding off their rivals in their first “proper” race in these semi-finals.

The Kiwis are closing the gap, though, and are putting BAR under some serious pressure after a slow tack by Ainslie on the fifth leg.

Team New Zealand have seized control, literally flying along the L-shaped course and do not look like relinquishing this lead.

Ominously, the Kiwis are looking just as comfortable in high winds as they do in the lighter conditions.

Peter Burling, the Kiwis helmsman, tells his crew he is experiencing some “issues”, not that you would have guessed.

A comfortable win for the Kiwis who are 3-0 up

Semi-final 2, Race 4: SoftBank Team Japan bt Artemis Racing by 1:27

Dean Barker, the Team Japan helmsman, has been making strong starts throughout the competition and takes another one over his opposite number, Nathan Outteridge.

The rain is so heavy that the spectators in the grandstand can barely see out into the Great Sound. They’re drenched but still seem to be enjoying themselves.

Artemis are having less fun and are struggling in these conditions, picking up a boundary penalty to further compound their woes.

They are not happy with that decision and are completely powerless watching Team Japan extend their already healthy lead.

Iain Percy, the Artemis tactician and grinder, is giving umpire Richard Slater a piece of his mind via his microphone. Not a happy camper at all!

There seems to be one or two spectator boats inside course. Absolute chaos out there today as Artemis are forced to change their path.

Conversely it is a relatively quiet day at the office for Barker and Team Japan, who look well set to open a two-race lead.

Although there does appear to be a little bit of damage to their boat. Again, nothing too worrisome.

Another cool, calm victory for Team Japan. Not a bad day’s work.

SoftBank Team Japan lead Artemis Racing 3-1

Semi-final 1, Race 4: Land Rover BAR bt Emirates Team New Zealand by retirement

Team New Zealand arrive too early in the start box and are handed a penalty.

Crisis for New Zealand, as they’ve overturned before the start line!

They were flying towards the start, going way too high up on their foils, and the boat tripped over itself and flipped over.

All of the sailors are safe, several still trapped in the boat, after the most dramatic incident we have seen at this America’s Cup.

Plenty of cosmetic damage to their America’s Cup Class boat, but it remains to be seen if there are any significant problems.

BAR win the race but they will not take much pleasure from that one. What a dramatic day on the water!

Emirates Team New Zealand lead Land Rover BAR 3-1

• Words by Stephen Wright