Louis Vuitton Act 10 - Day 4

Unfortunately, the day was characterized by very light winds that resulted in the delay of the first flight for more than a hour and the postponment of the second flight for tomorrow Monday. In addition, even after the races started, teams faced challenging windishifts. According to Bertrand Pacé, tactician of BMW Oracle, "the wind was oscillating about 10° and so we were timing our tacks to stay in phase with the windshifts".

As far as racing was concerned, Desafío Español 2007, the Spanish team, lost what was the day's race, against Areva Challege, due to a penalty given for an immature error but also good racing by Thierry Péponnet and his crew. BMW Oracle remains the only unbeaten team (is that a surprise?), while the excellent performance by +39 against heavyweight Emirates Team New Zealand reminded spectators that even if fast boats are essential, good tactics are equally important. Meanwhile, Victory Challenge scored yet another victory and is now fifth and just a point behind the Big Four.

BMW Oracle - Mascalzone Latino - Capitalia Team: 1 - 0

Chris Dickson showed his extraordinary skills by practically assuring the victory when USA-87 crossed the start line 26 seconds ahead of the Italian boat. A combination of a fast boat and excellent tactics gave the American team a very comfortable victory with a margin of minute and a half.

BMW Oracle remains the only undefeated team and is tied at the top with three other teams, but with one race less. Undoubtedly, tomorrow's race against Alinghi will put the American team's dominance to test.

Mascalzone Latino - Capitalia Team racing against BMW Oracle in the fourth day of Louis Vuitton Act 10. Valencia, 14 May 2006. Photo copyright: Marco Trovati / Mascalzone Latino - Capitalia Team

Emirates Team New Zealand - +39 Challenge: 1 - 0

Excellent tactics by Iain Percy during pre-start were transformed into an early lead for the Italian team who even increased their lead in the first leg by sailing to the right. Nevertheless, NZL-84 being a much faster boat and a broken jib by the Italians were transformed into a victory for the Kiwis, albeit a small one due to the tenacity of the Italians. Emirates Team New Zealand crossed the finish line with barely half a minute lead.

Desafio Espanol 2007 - Areva Challenge: 0 - 1

Yet another deceiving and unnecessary defeat for the Spanish America's Cup challenger. It was the match of the day and the Spaniards looked as if they had a problem kicking the bad habit of taking careless penalties. Both boats crossed the starting line early, but the French were quick to restart, leaving the Spaniards trailing by 100 meters. Adding insult to injury, the Spanish were penalized and although the race was close up to the end, unwiding the penalty cost them precious time.

The Spanish team justified the 4 penalties in as many days by stating that in extreme conditions such mishaps take place but there is no excuse for taking unnecessary risks.

Desafio Espanol 2007 racing against Areva Challenge in the fourth day of Louis Vuitton Act 10. Valencia, 14 May 2006. Photo copyright: Nico Martinez/ Desafio Espanol 2007

Victory Challenge - China Team: 1 - 0

It was destined to be an easy victory for the Swedish team against China Team and so it was. Just like other occasions during these 4 days of racing, both boats crossed the start line earlier and had to return. The Swedish outmaneuvered the Chinese and recrossed earlier. From then on, the race was a simple formality and Victory Challenge finished two minutes and a half ahead.

Magnus Holmberg and his crew have been doing an excellent job in these four days of racing, having lost just two of the seven races. They have now passed Desafio Espanol 2007 and are just one point behind the "Big Four".

Victory Challenge and China Team racing against in the fourth day of Louis Vuitton Act 10. Valencia, 14 May 2006. Photo copyright: Sally Collison / Victory Challenge

Victory Challenge and China Team racing against in the fourth day of Louis Vuitton Act 10. Valencia, 14 May 2006. Photo copyright: Sally Collison / Victory Challenge

United Internet Team Germany - Alinghi: 0 - 1

It was an easy and comfortable win for the Defender of the America's Cup against the German team. The Swiss dominated the pre-start, went ahead of the Germans and didn't look back. Alinghi rounded the first mark 53 seconds ahead, increasing the lead and finishing a comfortable 1 minute 12 seconds ahead of the Germans. The latter, obviously did not have any illusions about the outcome and did their best.

It will be interesting to see tomorow's race, and probably THE race of Louis Vuitton Act 10, against BMW Oracle in the increasingly light wind conditions.