Louis Vuitton Act 10 - Day 3: What a day!!

Saturday was very exciting day, especially in the south race course. At first, the main highlights of the thrid day of Louis Vuitton Act 10, were supposed to be the first races between the "Big Four", Alinghi and Luna Rossa in the south race course, and BMW Oracle and Emirates Team New Zealand in the north.

We had the choice between the two courses and what a decision we made to head south. Not only did we watch a very clear victory of Luna Rossa over Alinghi but also two excellent victories of Shosholoza, one against Areva Challenge and the second, and shocking for the local crowds, over Desafío Español 2007. The Italian factor was imoprtant in these two races as well, as Shosholoza was helmed by Paolo Cian in the prestart and Tomaso Chieffi afterwards.

In the north course, BMW Oracle beat Emirates Team New Zealand in the second clash of the "Big Four" while Victory Challenge with two more victories has reached the fifth position overall.

Alinghi - Luna Rossa : 0 - 1

James Spithill showed twice his excellent skils today. Firstly, in the pre-start, where he was in control over Ed Baird. Both boats crossed the line early and after returning to recross, Luna Rossa sailed away three boatlenghts ahead of Alinghi. "Spettacolare", as Italian fans claimed!!

Secondly, at the second windward mark, where he reversed a tactical error made during the third leg. After rounding the leeward gate 1 minute ahead of Alinghi, the Italian team decided to sail the left side of the course, leaving the right to Alinghi. As a result, the Swiss managed to catch and overtake the Italians, benefiting from a right hand shift. Nevertheless, James Spithill kept Alinghi out at the second windward mark, rounding 21 seconds ahead. The Defender of the America's Cup could not catch up with Luna Rossa and the Italians scored a very important victory.

Pre-start maneuvers between Luna Rossa and Alinghi where James Spithill did an astonishing job.Valencia, 13 May 2006. Photo by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Luna Rossa and Alinghi at the end of the 2nd leg, with the Italians enjoying a comfortable advantage. Valencia, 13 May 2006. Photo by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Luna Rossa, after rounding the mark 1 minute ahead of Alinghi, decide to go left for the 3rd leg, a tactical decision that almost cost them the race. Valencia, 13 May 2006. Photo by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Luna Rossa and Alinghi at the end of the race, with the Italians enjoying a comfortable advantage. Valencia, 13 May 2006. Photo by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Luna Rossa crossing the fininsh line and scoring a great victory over Alinghi. Valencia, 13 May 2006. Photo by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing