UBS Dubai Defender Trials, Round 2, Day 1: Ed Baird (SUI91) 2 - Peter Holmberg (SUI64) 0

[Source: Alinghi] Round 2 of the UBS Dubai Defender Trials got off today in beautiful conditions. Ed Baird took the helm of SUI91 with Peter Evans (tactician) and Juan Vila (navigator) in the afterguard. Peter Holmberg steered SUI64 with afterguard, Brad Butterworth (tactician) and Mike Drummond (navigator). Race 1 was a light air affair. The start was reasonably even with both boats on opposite tacks. SUI91 tacked onto starboard and both boats went left. Approaching the top of the beat SUI64 was in a strong position and managed to lock SUI91 out and lead around the topmark. SUI91 gybed away first into more pressure and gained ground to cross the finish line 14 seconds ahead.

Race 2 got off in more wind with SUI91 to the right managing to cross ahead of SUI64, who had to dip the stern taking a penalty. Butterworth, tactician onboard, reckons: “64 was unlucky to get a penalty.” Holmberg got control of the right to lead around the topmark, but the lead was not enough to do the penalty turn before the finish. So at the end of Day 1 it is 2-Nil to Ed Baird and the crew of SUI91.

Comment from Ed Baird: “All the guys did a tremendous job today. It was very difficult, very close with lots of action and a lot of things that they hadn't experienced before, such as doing a penalty turn at the finish line in 15 knots. That's why we are doing this."

"The two boats have been set up to go as close to the same speed as we can which makes it a tactical race and we have to be good at that. That's what we are trying to accomplish,” he added.

As always, don't forget to check the dedicated section on Alinghi's website, here, including today some excellent video footage.

SUI-64 and SUI-91 racing during Day 1 of Round 2 of UBS Dubai Defender Trials. Dubai, 16 February 2007. Photo copyright Thierry Martinez / Alinghi