Louis Vuitton Cup - Round Robin 2 - Day 9: Emirates Team NZ beat Luna Rossa

It was the day's clash of giants and despite the lack of scoring suspense similar to the match between Desafío Español and Victory Challenge, it didn't provide less excitement and was hard fought till the finish line. It was a classic match race with the New Zealanders having a faster boat and putting constant pressure on the Italians throughout the race.

The start was quite even and after 18 crosses and 36 tacks Emirates Team NZ rounded the top mark 17 seconds before Luna Rossa. Two thirds down the run Luna Rossa decided to separate from the New Zealanders, without any success, trailing by 18 seconds at the leeward gate.

The second upwind leg was similar to the first one, with the New Zealanders keeping the pressure on the Italians. They rounded the top mark 23 seconds ahead of them and in the final leg found a favorable shift, allowing them to cross the finish line with a 36-second advantage.

Prestart of the race between Luna Rossa and Emirates Team NZ. Valencia, 7 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The start of the race was even. Valencia, 7 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Luna Rossa started the race with a small advantage. Valencia, 7 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Halfway up the first leg, one of the 17 crosses. Valencia, 7 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Halfway down the first downwind leg the kiwis had a comfortable margin. Valencia, 7 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Emirates Team NZ and Luna Rossa approach the leeward gate. Valencia, 7 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Emirates Team NZ rounded the leeward gate with a 18-second advantage over Luna Rossa. Valencia, 7 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The last leg didn't provide any passing opportunities for Luna Rossa. Valencia, 7 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

With this victory, Emirates Team NZ still trail BMW Oracle by 1 point but are now further ahead of Luna Rossa . Valencia, 7 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing