Louis Vuitton Cup - Round Robin 1 - Day 13: BMW Oracle beat Emirates Team NZ

In the closing race of round robin 1 and the clash of the giants, BMW Oracle had a comfortable win despite their problematic prestart and initial lag after the start.

The match's most exciting moments were during the prestart when both boats were over the line alongside at the gun. USA-98 circled first and while they were powering ahead to the start line, Dean Barker circled and started ahead of his rivals. The New Zealanders built an early lead of around 4 boatlengths but BMW Oracle kept attacking and closed in on them enough to trail them at the top mark by a mere 3 seconds. On the first downwind leg, the Americans passed the kiwis and rounded the leeward gate 28 seconds ahead. Up the second windward leg, USA-98 covered every move by its opponents and, after a 19-tack battle had extended to a 43 second margin. The Americans kept their lead in the final downwind leg and won the race with 35-second margin.

Prestart of the BMW Oracle race against Emirates Team NZ. Valencia, 28 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

A few seconds before the start both boats were over the line. Valencia, 28 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Both teams are late for the start. BMW Oracle has an apparent advantage with Emirates Team NZ still having to get back behind the line. Valencia, 28 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Despite their initially difficult position, Emirates Team NZ gybed in front of BMW Oracle and started ahead of them. Valencia, 28 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Emirates Team NZ built an early lead of around 4 boatlengths. Valencia, 28 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The two boats approaching the leeward gate, with BMW Oracle having gained the lead in the downwind leg. Valencia, 28 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

BMW Oracle rounded the leeward gate 28 seconds ahead of the New Zealanders. Valencia, 28 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

BMW Oracle leading the race at the final stretch of the fourth leg. Valencia, 28 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

A very important victory for BMW Oracle. Valencia, 28 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Emirates Team NZ will finish this race and round robin 1 behind the Americans. Valencia, 28 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing