LV ACT 6: Alinghi über alles, BMW Oracle best challenger, Desafío Español fifth

If there were still any doubts left about the overwhelming power of Alinghi they dissipated like early-morning mist before the sun, after watching Tuesday's action during the closing day of Louis Vuitton Act 6. Even without anything at stake, the Swiss overpowered Emirates Team New Zealand during their last race in Louis Vuitton Act 6 and finsihed at the top of the table with a perfect score. In a previous article we stated that Alinghi was running like a fine Swiss watch. We were wrong and will have to restate: Fine Swiss watches run like Alinghi.

Meanwhile, among challengers, BMW Oracle also proved their power despite the few technical glitches and some team departures. They are clearly in very good shape and promise a tough fight.

After the end of this Act there are three groups whose outlines are considerably well defined:

BIG FOUR: Alinghi, BMW Oracle, Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa. Barring any extraordinary events, the winner of the 32nd America's Cup will come from that group. In fact, with just one exception, teams of this select group were defeated only by other Big Four teams.

MID FOUR: Desafío Español, +39 Challenge, Mascalzone Latino Team Capitalia, Victory Challenge. These four syndicates have, admittedly, very slim chances in winning the America's Cup, let alone the Louis Vuitton Cup. Nevertheless, they provide an interesting and exciting field while competing for the much-coveted fifth place. Desafío Español performed very well and got the fifth position. Hadn't been for the childish mistake and defeat against Victory Challenge their position would have been even stronger.

Equally satisfying was the performance of +39, especially the win over Emirates Team New Zealand. Skippered by British Iain Percy, the Italian challenger is now tied with the Spanish. Mascalzone Latino Team Capitalia started with severe technical problems, but recovered and is now hopeful for the future. As for the locals, Victory Challenge, their performance did not match expectations.

BOTTOM FOUR: K-Challenge, United Internet Team Germany, China Team and Team Shosholoza. These four teams have absolutely no chances but they keep fighting. The German team was plagued by problems and clearly disappointed with its performance. The bright spot in these Acts were the first two victories ever for the South African team, one against locals Victory Challenge and another over China Team.

Louis Vuitton Act 6 - Day 4: Forza +39

Sunday delivered the first major upset in Louis Vuitton Act 6 and showed that under extreme pressure even the best teams can make dearly mistakes. In the, originally "predictable", race between Emirates Team New Zealand and Italy's +39, the New Zealand powerhouse made the suicidal mistake and crossed the starting line just one second ahead of time. That meant an immediate penalty and gave +39 the opportunity to gain an early lead and finally finish more than a minute ahead of the New Zealanders.

Earlier in the day, Desafío Español commited a childish mistake and transformed a 36-second lead at the beginning of the fourth leg to a 1 minute 21 second defeat against the locals Victory Challenge.

Still in the middle of the table, Mascalzone Latino Team Capitalia won both races and consolidated their quest for the fifth place.

Alinghi is stil unbeatable, followed by BMW Oracle, Emirates Team New Zealand and Lunna Rossa, all with one defeat. Mascalzone Latino Team Capitalia, +39 and Victory Challenge are now tied in fifth place.

Emirates Team New Zealand - +39 : 0 - 1

Even sailing stars can make disastrous un-forced errors when facing the extreme pressure of the America's Cup. NZL 82, skippered by Dean Barker, crossed the starting line just one second too early and had to re-cross it. By the time the penalty was carried out the Italians were already 30 seconds ahead and rounded the first mark with a 47-second advantage. The New Zealanders tried hard to cover the gap but finally the Italians won with a 1-minute advantage.

Emirates Team New Zealand and +39 in the fourth day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: +39 Challenge

Emirates Team New Zealand and +39 in the fourth day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: +39 Challenge

+39 racing to victory against Emirates Team New Zealand in the fourth day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: +39 Challenge

Emirates Team New Zealand and +39 in the fourth day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: +39 Challenge

+39 racing to victory against Emirates Team New Zealand in the fourth day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: +39 Challenge

Mascalzone Latino Team Capitalia - K-Challenge : 1 - 0

Despite a difficult start, Vasco Vascotto skippered the Italian boat to a comfortable victory over French K-Challenge with a 1 minute 6 second advantage.

Together with +39, the "second-tier" Italian teams are gradually and constantly improving, proving themselves as credible contestants for the fifth place.

Mascalzone Latino Team Capitalia and K-Challenge racing during the fourth day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Guido Cantini / Sea&See

Mascalzone Latino Team Capitalia and K-Challenge racing during the fourth day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Guido Cantini / Sea&See

LV Act 6 - Day 3: Alinghi, Emirates Team NZ unbeaten, +39 fifth

The third day of Louis Vuitton Act 6 was in fact the first one with "Big Four" races taking place, that is races between Alinghi, BMW Oracle, Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa.

Today's race program started with the much awaited Alinghi versus BMW Oracle battle, followed by Emirates Team New Zealand against Luna Rossa. The two teams of the 31st America's Cup offered us a demonstration of their power, winning their respective races.

A very pleasant result were the two victories of +39, first against locals Victory Challenge and then against the other "Italiani" Mascalzone Latino Team Capitalia. The other "Fifth place contestant", Desafío Español had a win over China Team and a loss against BMW Oracle. As a result, both teams are tied in fifth place adding to the excitement of the Act.

After seeing the results of these races, Valencia Sailing has just one question: Will anyone ever be able to beat Alinghi in match racing ? (before August 2007)

Alinghi - BMW Oracle : 1 - 0

Seventeenth consecutive match race victory for the Defender of the America's Cup so far this year!!

The headline sums it up very well. The Swiss team, with Jochen Schuemann as helsman of SUI 75, demonstrated once again why they have been unbeaten for so long. The race was very tight at the beginning, with the Swiss leading by 14 seconds at the first mark and just 8 seconds at the second one. Then disaster came for BMW Oracle, when halfway through the third leg the headsail halyard clip broke and brought the headsail down. Obviously, Alinghi grabbed the opportunity and raced ahead and by the time BMW Oracle had hoisted the headsail once again the Swiss had built an advantage of a minute and a half, which was kept till the end of the race.

Alinghi so far is working like a fine Swiss watch.

Alinghi and BMW Oracle at the prestart in the third day of racing in Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Gilles Martin-Raget / BMW Oracle Racing

Alinghi and BMW Oracle racing in the third day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Gilles Martin-Raget / BMW Oracle Racing

Alinghi and BMW Oracle racing in the third day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Gilles Martin-Raget / BMW Oracle Racing

Alinghi and BMW Oracle racing during the third day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Gilles Martin-Raget / BMW Oracle Racing

Spectacular view of Alinghi and BMW Oracle racing in the third day of Louis Vuitton Act 6, with the Oresund bridge in the back

Photo copyright: Gilles Martin-Raget / BMW Oracle Racing

Alinghi racing to victory against BMW Oracle during the third day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Gilles Martin-Raget / BMW Oracle Racing

Alinghi - Desafío Español 2007 : 1 - 0

The Swiss champions continued their excellent performance during the second race of the day against the Spanish syndicate, despite the early lead of their opponents at the start. Alinghi had a 26-second advantage rounding the first mark and finished just over a minute ahead of the Spanish team.

Alinghi racing to victory ahead of Desafío Español in the third day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Ivo Rovira - Alinghi

Alinghi and Desafío Español in the third day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Ivo Rovira - Alinghi

+39 Challenge - Mascalzone Latino Team Capitalia : 1 - 0

Not only was it an Italian derby it also provided the excitement of a fight of two teams aiming at the fifth position in the ranking. Mascalzone Latino started with a 6-second advantage and rounded the first mark 10 seconds ahead of +39. Nevertheless, +39 with Iain Percy as skipper and Ian Walker as tactician gained ground in each of the following legs and finished 50 seconds ahead of Mascalzone Latino.

As days go by, +39 and Desafío Español are seen as the only serious contestants for the fifth place.

Mascalzone Latino Team Capitalia and +39 racing in the third day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Guido Cantini / Sea&See

Mascalzone Latino Team Capitalia and +39 racing in the third day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Guido Cantini / Sea&See

Mascalzone Latino Team Capitalia and +39 racing in the third day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Guido Cantini / Sea&See

+39 and Mascalzone Latino Team Capitalia racing in the third day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: +39 Challenge

Luna Rossa - K-Challenge : 1 - 0

It wasn't an easy win for the Italian team Luna Rossa. K-Challenge, skippered by Thierry Peponnet got off to a very good start and was ahead by 17 seconds at the first mark. Nevertheless, James Spithill raced ahead in the second leg, rounding the second mark 13 seconds ahead of the French. From that point it was a very close race and the Italians crossed the finish line first with just a 10-second advantage

Luna Rossa and K-Challenge racing in the third day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Carlo Borlenghi - Luna Rossa

Luna Rossa and K-Challenge racing in the third day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Carlo Borlenghi - Luna Rossa

Luna Rossa and K-Challenge racing in the third day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Carlo Borlenghi - Luna Rossa

Emirates Team New Zealand - Luna Rossa : 1 - 0

The second "Big Four" race of the day was between the Italian challenger Luna Rossa and Emirates Team New Zealand. This was the first defeat of Luna Rossa in the Louis Vuitton Act 6. The New Zealand team demonstrated once again their strength, despite the small advantage James Spithill, skipper of Luna Rossa, managed to gain at the start. The New Zealanders rounded the first mark 16 seconds ahead of the Italians and through a close race managed to finish with exactly half a minute of advantage.

As a result of this race, Alinghi and Emirates Team New Zealand are the only unbeaten teams so far in Louis Vuitton Act 6

Emirates Team New Zealand racing to victory against Luna Rossa in the third day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Carlo Borlenghi - Luna Rossa

Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa racing in the third day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Carlo Borlenghi - Luna Rossa

LV Act 6 - Day 2: GO SHOSHOLOZA !!

The second day of the Louis Vuitton Act 6 deserves special mention in the America's Cup history books. Shosholoza, the South African syndicate, scored its first victory ever in their long journey towards the 32nd America's Cup. Not only was RSA 83, skippered by Chris Law, able to cross the finish line ahead of her rival, Shosholoza's opponent was the local Victory Challenge. A truly historic day.

The day was also marked by strong winds and lots of broken material, but on the competition level there were hardly any surpirses and all races turned out as expected. The "Big Four" continued unbeaten with four wins each, Desafío Español is fifth with two victories, followed by six teams with one victory and Team China at the bottom of the table without any win.

Saturday will be extremely important with two clashes of the giants taking place in the fifth flight, Alinghi against BMW Oracle and Luna Rossa versus Emirates Team New Zealand.

Victory Challenge - Team Shosholoza : 1-0

Helmed by Chris Law, the South African gained an early advantage at the start that increased during the first and second leg. Despite an attempt by the Swedes in the third leg to catch up, Shosholoza beat the locals by a very comfortable margin. Hats off to Shosholoza and Captain Sarno.

A historic photo, as Team Shosholoza crosses the finish line ahead of Victory Challenge

Photo copyright: Dr Peter Goldman - Team Shosholoza

RSA 83 (Team Shosholoza) racing to victory ahead of SWE 73 (Victory Challenge)

Photo copyright: Dr Peter Goldman - Team Shosholoza

Team Shosholoza and Victory Challenge downwind in the second day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Carlo Borenghi - ACM

Team Shosholoza and Victory Challenge racing during the second day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Dr Peter Goldman - Team Shosholoza

RSA 83 (Team Shosholoza) in her first victorious race in Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Dr Peter Goldman - Team Shosholoza

RSA 83 (Team Shosholoza) arriving at her temporary base in Malmö after her first victory ever in a Louis Vuitton Act

Photo copyright: Team Shosholoza

Shosholoza crew celebrating their first victory with champagne offered by Luna Rossa

Photo copyright: Team Shosholoza

Luna Rossa - United Internet Team Germany : 1 - 0

The day's first race proved to be another very predictable one. The Italian boat, skippered by Francesco de Angelis, started with an advantage over the Germans and increased it throughout the race, finishing 1:40 minutes ahead of GER 72.

Luna Rossa and United Internet Team Germany racing during the second day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Francisco Ferr - Luna Rossa Challenge

Luna Rossa and United Internet Team Germany racing during the second day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Francisco Ferri - Luna Rossa Challenge

BMW Oracle - K-Challenge : 1 - 0

The Challenger of Record had a comfortable advantage at the end, but the race was not uneventful in the first two legs, with the French fighting hard head on head. Nevertheless, Chris Dickson's tactics allowed BMW Oracle to escape their opponents in the final two legs.

BMW Oracle and K-Challenge racing in the second day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Gilles Martin-Raget / BMW Oracle

BMW Oracle racing to victory ahead of K-Challenge in the second day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Gilles Martin-Raget / BMW Oracle

BMW Oracle and K-Challenge racing in the second day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Gilles Martin-Raget / BMW Oracle

BMW Oracle and K-Challenge downwind in the second day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Gilles Martin-Raget / BMW Oracle

Nice photo of BMW Oracle and K-Challenge racing in Malmö, Sweden, during the second day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Gilles Martin-Raget / BMW Oracle

China Team - Mascalzone Latino Team Capitalia : 0 - 1

Yet another predictable race, as Vasco Vascotto skippered the boat to an easy win against the Chinese team.

Mascalzone Latino Team Capitalia ahead of China Team in the second day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Guido Cantini / Sea&See

Mascalzone Latino Team Capitalia and China Team racing in the second day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Guido Cantini / Sea&See

Luna Rossa - Desafío Español 2007 : 1 - 0

The Spanish team was another victim of strong winds during Friday's races. Desafío Español started ahead of their rivals and sped away during the first leg, rounding the top mark 44 ahead of Luna Rossa. The Italians managed to recover all lost space and were 18 seconds ahead at the beginning of the fourth leg. Halfway through the last leg, the boom of the Spanish boat ESP 67 broke, forcing the team to retire.

The Spaniards could have produced the day's second upset, but after all what counts is the final outcome. Having excellent sailors might be an important advantage but the boat has to be equally well built.

Desafío Español in the race against Luna Rossa during the second day of Louis Vuitton 6

Photo copyright: Nico Martinez - Desafío Español

Desafio Espanol and Luna Rossa downwind in the second race of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Nico Martinez - Desafío Español

LV Act 6 - Day 1: Many mishaps, difficult weather but no surprises

Thursday was the first day of Louis Vuitton Act 6, taking place in cloudy and rainy Malmö, Sweden. It was obvious just by looking at the clothes sailors were wearing that this was no Valencia. Gone are the days sailing barefoot in shorts and shirts. Another characteristic of the day's action was the considerable number of mishaps teams suffered, in the form of breaks, faulty material and even sailors falling into the cold Scandinavian waters.

Despite these factors, there was no upset at all during races and all results were, unfortunately, predictable. The four "biggies" won both races as did Desafío Español 2007, even if Emirates Team New Zealand and BMW Oracle were momentarily threatened. Victory Challenge and K-Challenge scored one victory each while the remaining five teams finished the day with no points at all.

Friday's races are far from being a brain teaser, but there could be some shakeup at the top of the table if the Spanish challenger manages to beat Luna Rossa or Emirates Team New Zealand.

Alinghi - Victory Challenge : 1 - 0

The opening race of Louis Vuitton Act 6 saw the duel between the Holder of the America's Cup and the local challenger, Victory Challenge. With Jochen Schuemann as skipper and helsman of SUI75, the Swiss had no problem at all finishing first almost one minute ahead of the Swedes.

Alinghi versus Victory Challenge in the first race of the first day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Thierry Martinez - Alinghi

SUI 75 (Alinghi) and SWE 73 (Victory Challenge) downwind during the first race of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Thierry Martinez - Alinghi

Desafío Español 2007 - Mascalzone Latino Team Capitalia: 1 - 0

The day did not start well for the Italian challenger. In their first race against the Spanish, Vasco Vascotto's boat suffered the first of the two disastrous problems of the afternoon, forcing Mascalzone Latino Team Capitalia to abandon the race. Three quarters into the first leg of the race, when ESP 67 was ahead about three boat lengths, ITA 77 suffered a tremendous blow when its mainsail broke apart, causing the retirement of the Italians.

Desafío Espanñol 2007 - Mascalzone Latino Team Capitalia in their first race during the first day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Guido Cantini / Sea&See

A nice photo of ITA 77 during the races of the first day of Louis Vuitton Act 6. Unfortunately, both races ended prematurely as the team had to abandon when sails and equipment broke down

Photo copyright: Guido Cantini / Sea&See

Emirates Team NZ - United Internet Team Germany : 1 - 0

Easy does it! The first race for the challenger from New Zealand was very comfortable, with an advantage of more than a minute and a half over the German team. The race started well with Dean Barker claiming the right of the course as planned. The Kiwis had a 33-second advantage at the first mark and never looked back.

Emirates Team New Zealand against United Internet Team Germany in the first day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Nico Krauss / United Internet Team Germany

Alinghi - Team Shosholoza : 1 - 0

The second race of the day was even easier than the first one for the Defender of the America's Cup. As expected, the Swiss syndicate lead since the start and won over 3 minutes ahead of the South African team.

Alinghi and Team Shosholoza during prestart in the first day of races in Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Thierry Martinez - Alinghi

RSA 83 (Team Shosholoza) and SUI 75 (Alinghi) racing druing the first day of Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Thierry Martinez - Alinghi

Desafío Español 2007 - United Internet Team Germany : 1 - 0

This race marked the second victory for the day of the Spanish challenger and the second defeat of the German team. The Spanish boat started the race ahead and at the end of the second leg it had already one minute of advantage over GER 72. In the third leg the Spanish lost their genoa and slowed down during sail changes, giving the Germans the opportunity to narrow their gap. Nevertheless, in the final leg Desafío Español recovered its rythm and accelerated, finishing 75 seconds ahead of its rivals.

Desafío Español and United Internet Team Germany in the first day of racing in Louis Vuitton Act 6

Photo copyright: Nico Martinez - Desafío Español