Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Louis Vuitton Cup - Round Robin 2 - Day 11: Luna Rossa beat Desafío Español from the start

James Spithill was on fire on Wednesday in the race against Desafío Español. The Spanish team's second helmsman Jesper Radich had to confront a fierce attack by Spithill during the prestart. Spithill took control of the situation and started tailgating ESP-97 forcing her out of the box and to a late start.

Luna Rossa had a 9 second advantage at the gun and immediately chose the favorite right hand side of the course keeping well ahead of the Spanish team during the whole race. Adding insult to injury, Desafío Español carried out a sloppy spinnaker drop at the top mark and their spinnaker draped the buoy, resulting in a penalty. Luna Rossa crossed the finish line almost 2 minutes ahead of the Spanish.

Being a windspotter can be tough in the prestart period. Valencia, 9 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Prestart of the race between Desafío Español and Luna Rossa. Valencia, 9 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Luna Rossa tailgating Desafío Español in order to force them out of the starting box. Valencia, 9 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Desafío Español has now been cornered by Luna Rossa. Valencia, 9 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Luna Rossa cross the starting line but Desafío Español still has to sail around the committee boat. Valencia, 9 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Luna Rossa got an early advantage they kept throughout the race. Valencia, 9 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Luna Rossa's lead was 41 seconds at the leeward gate. Valencia, 9 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Desafío Español kept having problems with the spinnaker pole at the roundings. Valencia, 9 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Luna Rossa cros the finish line and grab the third place. Valencia, 9 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Desafío Español drop the spinnaker in order to offload the penalty... Valencia, 9 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

... and cross the finish line still trying to retrieve it. Valencia, 9 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

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