BARCELONA, Spain — Emirates Team New Zealand has managed to gain a 5-2 advantage over INEOS Britannia in the America’s Cup finals, positioning itself just two points away from successfully defending its championship title.

The New Zealand crew, sailing aboard their AC75 foiling yacht, named Taihoro, completed a six-leg race alongside the picturesque Barcelona beach, finishing more than a minute ahead of their British competitors, Britannia.

Initially, New Zealand dominated the series, securing victories in the first four races. However, the British team made a comeback, winning two races on Wednesday, which reinvigorated their chances in the competition.

The first team to accumulate seven points throughout the series will ultimately claim the prestigious Auld Mug, celebrated as the oldest trophy in the realm of international sports.

Emirates Team New Zealand is seeking to achieve a third consecutive victory in the America’s Cup and a total of five wins overall. In contrast, INEOS Britannia is still in search of its first title after 173 years of competition and is participating in its first final in sixty years.

Anticipation builds as Race 8 is set to take place later today, with both teams eager to secure their place in history.