Louis Vuitton Cup - Round Robin 2 - Day 1: Luna Rossa easily beat China Team

A match figuring these two opponents should normally be a non event but today's race had its share of odd sights, such as James Spithill trailing the Chinese by 30 seconds at the start. Of course, Luna Rossa caught up with China Team, passed them on the first upwind and rounded the top mark just 18 seconds ahead of them.

The Chinese crew's inexperience was evident when at the leeward gate they started dropping their spinnaker and had to quickly gybe to avoid Luna Rossa who were at the beginning of the upwind leg after rounding. This caused the spinnaker to get stuck around the hull, dragging the boat and finally the crew had to abandon it. Obviously, Luna Rossa won the race by a very important margin. Still it is encouraging to see the Chinese progressing, albeit at small steps.

This must be an unusual sight. Luna Rossa trailing China Team at the start by almost half a minute. Valencia, 29 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

China Team gybing and dropping the spinnaker at the same time. Valencia, 29 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

China Team rounding the leeward gate. Valencia, 29 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing