BARCELONA, Oct. 4 (Xinhua) -- Team INEOS Britannia won the 11th regatta in the final of the Louis Vuitton Cup to book their place against Emirates New Zealand in the Americas Cup in Barcelona.

It will be the first time a British yacht has competed in the America's Cup final since 1964.

"It's been a while but this is a great day for the team, this is for them, an unforgettable moment," said INEOS captain Ben Ainslie after the race.

INEOS Britannia, captained by the four-time Olympic gold medalist, went into Friday's first regatta with a 6-4 lead in the first-to-seven series against the Italian Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli vessel, knowing one more win would assure their final place.

INEOS Britannia dominated the race, passing the first gate with a 10-second advantage, which they were able to retain, although Luna Rossa threatened to close the gap between the fourth and fifth gates, before INEOS extended their lead to around 400 meters by the end.

"Ten years ago we started the journey, thanks to Jim (Radcliffe), the financial support of INEOS and his team, to all British sailing fans. [I'm] Absolutely delighted and I would also like to congratulate Luna Rossa, a great rival, Jimmy, Queco. It is not the end of the Luna Rossa story, for sure," added Ainslie.

Luna Rossa captain Jimmy Spithill congratulated his crew for the British on their win, saying it had been a "fantastic final, I congratulate the entire INEOS team and take my hat off to them. It is tough for our team, but I thank them all," he said. Enditem

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