Louis Vuitton Cup - Round Robin 1 - Day 9: Desafío Español prevail easily over Mascalzone Capitalia

It was supposed to be the race of day, close and exciting and it turned out as an easy victory for the Spanish team, despite the fight given by Mascalzone Capitalia. According to Nacho Postigo, navigator of the Italian team, a major turning point took place 4 minutes before the start. Up to that moment the Italians were controlling the aggressive prestart fight but the Spaniards took over the control. Mascalzone Capitalia gibed too early allowing the Spanish too also come back. The Spanish team started to the left while the Italians went to the right. Soon after, the Spanish tacked to the right and attacked the Italians. The rest of the first beat was a continuous attack by Desafío Español who managed to push the Italians over the starboard layline and rounded the top mark half a minute ahead. Mascalzone Capitalia were never able to recover and lost by 39 seconds.

Where was Vasco Vascotto looking, 5 minutes before the start? Valencia, 24 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Four minutes before the start, Karol Jablonski takes over control of the prestart fight. Valencia, 24 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

According to Nacho Postigo, Mascalzone Capitalia's navigator, gibing too early back to the line might have been one of the team's major mistakes. Valencia, 24 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The start of the race was even. Valencia, 24 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Desafío Español chose the left side while Mascalzone Latino went to the right. Valencia, 24 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Desafío Español rounded the leeward gate comofrtably ahead of Mascalzone Latino and went to the right. Valencia, 24 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Mascalzone Latino rounded on the left. Valencia, 24 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

On the last downwind leg the Spanish team increased their lead and were able to maintain a comfortable advantage. Valencia, 24 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Two very important points for Desafío Español. Valencia, 24 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing