Louis Vuitton Cup - Round Robin 1 - Day 9: Emirates Team NZ score easy victory over Desafío Español

The Spanish team's second race of the day, this time facing Emirates Team NZ, was much more difficult. The prestart was very intense and the New Zealanders fought hard to get the right which they achieved. Having greater pressure on the right allowed the New Zealanders to get a lead of the race and despite their numerous tacks, the Spanish were never able to reach NZL-92 during the first upwind leg. The New Zealanders rounded the top mark 31 seconds ahead. Excellent crew work, good tactics and speed boat allowed Emirates Team NZ to lead the race till the end, finishing the race with a clear domination.

Emirates Team NZ and Desafío Español at the prestart. Valencia, 24 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The gun goes off and the Spanish have a slight advantage. Valencia, 24 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Still, Emirates Team NZ wanted the right side and got it. Valencia, 24 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Pressure on the right allowed Emirates Team NZ to lead the race from the beginning of the first leg. Valencia, 24 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Halfway through the first downwind leg Emirates Team NZ had already a comfortable lead. Valencia, 24 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Crew execution was flawless at Emirates Team NZ, hear rounding the leeward gate. Valencia, 24 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Emirates Team NZ hadincreased their lead at the leeward gate. Valencia, 24 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Separation was great at the last stretch of the final leg. Valencia, 24 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing