Louis Vuitton Cup - Round Robin 2 - Day 6: BMW Oracle beat Luna Rossa in close race

BMW Oracle, the come-back boys, did it once again and after trailing Luna Rossa for half of the race they won the day's, and probably the round robin's most important race, and claimed the top spot at the leaderbord. The match wasn't obviously easy for either of the two teams but a critical moment at the approach of the leeward gate turned the table around.

After an aggressive prestart and an even start, the two yachts had a close first leg but Luna Rossa was favored on the right side of the course and rounded the top mark. The downwind leg was close as well and BMW Oracle kept Luna Rossa under pressure. The race's turning point took place at the approach of the leeward gate when BMW Oracle was on the layline forced Luna Rossa to gybe and head for the left buoy while the Americans continued and rounded the right one.

BMW Oracle chose the right side of the course and benefited from a right shift, overtaking the Italians and rounding the top mark 13 seconds ahead. In the final leg they managed to further increase their lead and finish with a 19-second advantage.

Prestart of the race between BMW Oracle and Luna Rossa. Valencia, 4 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Prestart of the race between BMW Oracle and Luna Rossa. Valencia, 4 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The start was very even with both yachts hitting the start line simultaneously. Valencia, 4 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The battle in the first leg was tight but Luna Rossa found a little bit more power on the right side. Valencia, 4 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Luna Rossa rounded the top mark with an 11-second advantage but BMW Oracle had considerably closed the gap through the first downwind leg. Valencia, 4 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

BMW Oracle gybed and headed towards the right buoy while Luna Rossa went straight to the left one. Valencia, 4 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Excellent crew work by BMW Oracle at the leeward gate. Valencia, 4 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

BMW Oracle round the right buoy and sail to the right side of the course. Valencia, 4 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

On the other hand and being forced by their opponent, Luna Rossa rounded the left buoy and went on the left side of the course. Valencia, 4 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Final stretch of the last downwind leg. Valencia, 4 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Luna Rossa will make a final attempt to reach the Americans but the right side of the course was advantageous. Valencia, 4 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

BMW Oracle cross the finish line and are now sitting alone at the top of the score table. Valencia, 4 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing