Louis Vuitton Cup - Round Robin 2 - Day 2: Luna Rossa dominate Victory Challenge

Match racing virtuoso James Spithill and his crew didn't have great problems in beating Victory Challenge in the north course's second race. After an aggressive prestart, the Italians started the match with a lead of 3 seconds over the Swedes. The first leg was a tough fight and the boats sailed less than two boat lengths apart. James Spithill from leeward edged in without losing speed and managed to push Luna Rossa’s dirty air on Victory’s sails. At the point Luna Rossa lead the race, rounded the top mark with a 12-second advantage and stayed ahead until the end, crossing the finish line almost half a minute before Victory Challenge.

Victory Challenge in the prestart of the race against Luna Rossa. Valencia, 30 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Prestart of the race between Victory Challenge and Luna Rossa. Valencia, 30 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Immediately after the start Victory Challenge sails towards the right. Valencia, 30 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

At the approach of the leeward gate, Luna Rossa had increased their lead over Victory Challenge. Valencia, 30 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Crew work aboard Luna Rossa's ITA-94 was flawless. Here they round the leeward gate. Valencia, 30 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

On the contrary, a spinnaker problem at the leeward gate cost Victory Challenge precious time. Valencia, 30 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Despite the gains achieved in the last leg, the Swedes couldn't reach Luna Rossa. Valencia, 30 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Luna Rossa cross the finish line, pocket two points and share the top spot on the leaderboard with BMW Oracle. Valencia, 30 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing