Louis Vuitton Cup - Round Robin 2 - Day 11: Emirates Team NZ trash BMW Oracle

With the top spot of the Louis Vuitton Cup at stake and the pedigree of the two teams involved, everybody was expecting a thrilling and tough fight in Valencia's north race course. Instead, it turned out to be an absolute domination by the New Zealanders and any interest was taken out of the race after the first half of the first leg.

The start of the race was even and both boats crossed the start line practically together. The New Zealanders tacked early and chose to go to the left side of the race course, a move that proved to be right on the spot. According to Dean Barker, around 10 minutes before the start the weathermen of the team predicted a significant shift to the right. The Emirates Team NZ crew sticked to the prediction while on the contrary BMW Oracle chose to stay on the left.

On the top mark, Emirates Team NZ was ahead by 54 seconds. BMW Oracle have shown to be the come-back boys in recent races, but the kiwis are obviously not any second-tier team. Being unable to catch up the Americans saw their gap increase in each leg and at the end of the race NZL-92 crossed the finish line separated by more than 500 meters from USA-98. If we didn't know China Team had a bye we would have thought they were the trailing yacht!!

Prestart of the race between Emirates Team NZ and BMW Oracle. Valencia, 9 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The start of the race was very even, with both boats going to the left. Valencia, 9 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The turning point of the race. New Zealanders decide to tack and go to the right side of the course. Valencia, 9 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Halfway up the first leg, separation between the two boats was incredible. NZL 92 got the pressure and quickly extended while BMW Oracle stayed in the left and suffered. Valencia, 9 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

BMW Oracle has accustomed us lately to these photos for the history books. At the approach to the leeward gate the New Zealanders had a massive advantage. Valencia, 9 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Emirates Team NZ rounded the leeward gate 1min 13 sec ahead of BMW Oracle. Valencia, 9 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

In addition, BMW Oracle's spinnaker drop was far from perfect. Valencia, 9 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Halfway through the final leg the distance between the two boats had further increased. Valencia, 9 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Final stretch before the finish line. Without any doubt the Defender was paying close attention to this match while training in the background. Valencia, 9 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The small rip on their spinnaker didn't cause Emirates Team NZ any problem. The New Zealanders crossed the finish line 500 meters ahead of BMW Oracle. Valencia, 9 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing