Louis Vuitton Cup - Round Robin 2 - Day 9: Mascalzone Latino lose to BMW Oracle after early start

The race between Mascalzone Capitalia and BMW Oracle was practically over before it even started. When one faces Chris Dickson on USA-98, the slightest error can be paid dearly and this is exactly what happened to the Italians. ITA-99 crossed the starting line 2 seconds before the start gun was fired and by the time they recrossed, BMW Oracle's USA-98 had powered away. It was impossible for Mascalzone Capitalia to catch up and they finished almost a minute behind BMW Oracle.

According to the watch on the committee boat there are still 2 seconds to go before the gun is fired but ITA-99 has already crossed the start line. Valencia, 7 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Mascalzone Latino have to recross the starting line while BMW Oracle power ahead. Valencia, 7 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

There wasn't much Cameron Dunn could do when he took the helm of ITA-99 at that stage. Valencia, 7 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing