The first Preliminary Regatta of the 38th America's Cup in Cagliari, Sardinia delivered everything from technical heartbreak to breakthrough victories for the British challenge, as both GB1 and Athena Pathway demonstrated the pace and potential to compete with the world's best.
While mechanical failures disrupted GB1's campaign, Athena Pathway responded to an opening-day setback with a memorable race victory, highlighting the strength of the wider British programme and providing plenty of optimism ahead of the next preliminary event in Naples.
A difficult start, but confidence remains high
After a challenging opening day, the mood in the British camp remained optimistic.
Despite difficult conditions and setbacks, the teams focused on regrouping and taking confidence from the pace they had already shown.
Athena Pathway bounced back impressively to finish second in the final race of day one, proving they were capable of mixing it with the established America's Cup teams.
"We always had belief we could do it," said Hannah Mills. "Yesterday was tough for lots of different reasons, but I was really proud of everyone for coming back out today."
Technical issues halt GB1's momentum
Day two quickly turned into frustration for GB1.
During pre-race system checks, the team suffered another hydraulic pump failure, forcing them to withdraw before racing had even begun.
The issue contaminated the hydraulic system, leaving the crew unable to safely operate the boat.
"It seems our misfortune is continuing," the team explained after returning to shore.
© Ian Roman / America's Cup
The recurring problem echoed issues previously experienced across one-design America's Cup boats, leaving the technical team facing an overnight rebuild.
"It was really the return of an old issue that we've seen many times before," reflected Sir Ben Ainslie. "I'm disappointed for the guys because I know how hard they've worked, and disappointed for everybody who supports us. Hopefully we can fix things for tomorrow."
Athena Pathway delivers breakthrough victory
While GB1 worked ashore, Athena Pathway continued their regatta and delivered one of the standout moments of the event.
After recovering from a difficult opening day—including a capsize—the British development team produced a composed and confident performance to claim their first race victory against the senior America's Cup teams.
The win marked a major milestone for the programme.
"They've proven to themselves and everybody watching that they can do it," the commentary team said as Athena Pathway crossed the finish line first.
Speaking after victory, Hannah Mills praised the entire squad.
"It feels really good. As a team there's a lot of experience, but also a lot of people involved. We always believed we could do it."
The celebrations continued ashore as teammates acknowledged the significance of the result.
"Super stoked to win a race," one crew member said. "It just shows that we can do it."
GB1 returns in style
Following an intensive night of repairs, GB1 returned to the racecourse on the final day and immediately reminded the fleet of its potential.
From the start, the British boat controlled the race, leading every lap before taking a dominant victory.
"It's all about GB1," commentators declared as the British crew stretched their advantage around the course.
"This is massive for the British team."
© Ian Roman / America's Cup
Driver Dylan Fletcher was delighted to finally showcase the boat's speed.
"It feels really nice to finally show what we can do," he said after the race. "We're looking forward to having one good last race."
The result underlined what might have been without the earlier technical setbacks.
Valuable lessons despite late setbacks
Although both British crews encountered further challenges in the closing races—including starting penalties for Athena Pathway—the overall feeling leaving Sardinia was one of encouragement rather than disappointment.
Athena Pathway showed genuine race-winning pace throughout the regatta, while GB1 demonstrated they could challenge for victories whenever reliability allowed.
Reflecting on the event, Hannah Mills remained positive despite the difficult finish.
"There are so many good learning points that we'll build on. It's great to build some of those key partnerships before the next America's Cup."
The wider leadership shared the same outlook.
"Overall it's disappointing because of the breakages," said Sir Ben Ainslie. "But given the choice between finishing every race without being competitive or demonstrating we're competitive and where we're at, I'd take the latter."
Looking ahead to Naples
With the Sardinia Preliminary Regatta complete, both British teams now turn their attention to the next event in Naples later this year.
The focus will be on analysing performance, continuing technical development and building on the confidence gained from two headline victories.
Athena Pathway proved they belong among the America's Cup elite, while GB1 showed that when reliability issues are solved, they have the speed to challenge anyone in the fleet.
As preparations continue, the message from the British camp is clear: the foundations are strong, the pace is there, and the best is still to come.