Louis Vuitton Cup - Semifinals - Day 3: Desafío Español deal embarassing blow to Emirates Team NZ

The match between Desafío Español not only offered the Spaniards ashore and offshore a reason to explode in joy and start a cacophony of spectator boat horns, it proved once again that racing in this Louis Vuitton Cup would be very close.

Unlike the previous matches, Karol Jablonski entered the start box in a very aggressive mood and managed to inflict a penalty to Dean Barker when he gybed too close to the Spanish boat. The start was even and Desafío Español took to the right side of the course, a decision the proved to be decisive. A 30-degree right shift favored Karol Jablonski and his crew that rounded the top mark 14 seconds ahead of the kiwis.

On the first downwind leg, Emirates Team NZ kept attacking their rivals and shrank the gap to a mere 8 seconds after the leeward gate. Both boats rounded the right buoy and the Spanish kept to the right side of course, once again a move that paid out well. At the top mark, Desafío Español was ahead by 44 seconds. During the last leg it was impossible for Emirates Team NZ to pass let alone build an advantage to offload their penalty. They finally crossed the finish line 1:14 minutes behind ESP-97.

The prestart was very close. Valencia, 16 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The prestart was very close. Valencia, 16 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Emirates Team NZ receive a penalty for gybing too close to the Desafío Español boat. Valencia, 16 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The start was pretty even with Desafío Español taking the right side. Valencia, 16 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Desafío Español go to the right, a winning decision as they took advantage of the 30-degree right shift. Valencia, 16 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Throughout the first downwind leg Emirates Team NZ kept attacking the Spanish team. Valencia, 16 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

At the approach to the leeward gate the gap had closed significantly. Valencia, 16 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Desafío Español decide to round the right buoy at the leeward gate. Valencia, 16 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Both teams go to the right, the Spanish with a small 8-second advantage. Valencia, 16 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Soon after rounding the right buoy of the leeward gate, Emirates Team NZ tack to the left. Valencia, 16 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The two boats, halfway down the last leg. Valencia, 16 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Despite their efforts, Emirates Team NZ were unable to pass the Spanish boat in the last leg. Valencia, 16 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Historic victory for Desafío Español. It is the first time in the 32nd America's Cup they beat Emirates Team NZ. Valencia, 16 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Emirates Team NZ offload their penalty (1). Valencia, 16 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Emirates Team NZ offload their penalty (2). Valencia, 16 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Emirates Team NZ offload their penalty (3). Valencia, 16 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing