Louis Vuitton Act 10 - Day 5 - Flight 9

Alinghi - BMW Oracle: 1 - 0

The much awaited clash between Alinghi and BMW Oracle did not rise the adrenaline levels to the red zone as many would have expected. Ed Baird made a great start right in the middle and raced ahead. The first leg saw indeed the two teams going neck and neck with Alinghi rounding the 1st mark 18 seconds ahead of BMW Oracle. The Swiss increased their lead in the second leg, rounding the second mark 28 seconds ahead, the Americans managed to close the gap but still rounded the third mark trailing Alinghi by 13 seconds. With light winds prevailing, the situation did not change in the final leg and Alinghi won with a 19-second lead.

The challenger of record did not seem to be able to beat Alinghi. The obvious question is though, did BMW Oracle really want to win this race? It was the first time ever their brand new boat USA-87 sailed against the Swiss SUI-75, whether in official racing or during the spring training season in Valencia and it is reasonable to think Chris Dickson had no interest in showing his cards. In fact my first question to him was exactly whether they had lost on purpose, without obviously expecting any answer. Dickson put an emphasis on the close fight between the two teams and the excellent job Alinghi did in defending their position.

Alinghi racing against BMW Oracle in the fifth day of Louis Vuitton Act 10. Valencia, 15 May 2006. Photo copyright: Gilles Martin-Raget / BMW Oracle

Alinghi racing against BMW Oracle in the fifth day of Louis Vuitton Act 10. Valencia, 15 May 2006. Photo copyright: Gilles Martin-Raget / BMW Oracle

Luna Rossa - Victory Challenge: 1 - 0

The Swedes proved to pose no threat at all for the Italian team. Although Magnus Holmberg, helmsman of Victory Challenge, managed to have a small lead at the start, Luna Rossa quickly built a very comfortable advantage and rounded the first mark 52 seconds ahead of the Swedes. At no point did Victory Challenge manage to approach the Italians who crossed the finish line 53 seconds ahead.

Emirates Team New Zealand - Desafío Español: 1 - 0

Here as well, the spanish team had a good prestart and started the race with a small advantage, but Dean Barker and his crew just raced away. They consistently gained ground in every leg and the America's Cup challenger from New Zealand won with a comfortable margin of 54 seconds.

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

It was a much-needed and easy victory for Mascalzone Latino - Capitalia Team and a disappointing defeat for Areva Challenge that slips further behind in the score table. The Italians started ahead of the French and sailed to the left and lead during the first leg but with Areva Challenge close behind them. Their half-minute lead at the first mark grew during the second leg, the French added insult to injury by hitting the second and getting a penalty and slipped further behind during the rest of the race. Mascalzone Latino - Capitalia Team crossed the finish line a minute and a half ahead of the French.

Mascalzone Latino - Capitalia Team and Areva Challenge racing in the fifth day of Louis Vuitton Act 10. Valencia, 15 May 2006. Photo copyright: Marco Trovati / Mascalzone Latino - Capitalia Team