Louis Vuitton Cup - Round Robin 1 - Day 13: Desafío Español upset BMW Oracle

Without any doubt it was the upset of the day. Desafío Español was the first and only team to beat BMW Oracle, in a race marked by light winds and big changes in wind direction. The race committee was seen forced to change the course twice as winds shifted 40 degrees to the left. It was exactly these shifts the Spanish team took advantage of and lead the race from the beginning. The Americans were unable to catch Desafío Español and the Spanish increased their lead in every leg, finishing 1 minute ahead of BMW Oracle.

Prestart of the race between Desafío Español and BMW Oracle. Valencia, 28 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The start of the race between Desafío Español and BMW Oracle was even. Valencia, 28 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Desafío Español keep on the left while BMW Oracle opt for the right side of the course. Valencia, 28 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Desafío Español and BMW Oracle approaching the leeward gate. Valencia, 28 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Desafío Español round the left buoy and take the left side of the course. Valencia, 28 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

BMW Oracle round the right buoy and take the right side of the course. Valencia, 28 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Last stretch of the race and Desafío Español is leading BMW Oracle by more than 100 meters. Valencia, 28 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing