Louis Vuitton Cup - Semifinals - Day 3: Great victory of Luna Rossa over BMW Oracle

James Spithill demonstrated once again his match racing proficiency. The Australian helmsman of Luna Rossa outsmarted Chris Dickson in the prestart and forced him to the pin end of the starting line, slowing down in order not to cross early. Spithill then storms to the line on the committee boat and takes the right side. It turned out it was the favorite side and Luna Rossa reached the top mark 29 seconds ahead of BMW Oracle.

In the first downwind leg, BMW Oracle took advantage of their seemingly faster boat to attack. Unlike the previous matches, Luna Rossa learned their lesson and matched Chris Dickson's 9 gybes, keeping him in check all the time. Still, the Americans managed to slightly decrease the gap and rounded the leeward gate 24 seconds behind ITA-94.

The Italians decide once again to go for the right side, while BMW Oracle go left. Without losing sight of the American boat, ITA-94 further builds the advantage, rounding the top mark, 45 seconds ahead of USA-98. During the last downwind leg BMW Oracle clipped off 14 seconds from the difference but it was not enough. Luna Rossa beat them with a 31-second advantage.

Luna Rossa's ITA-94 in the prestart of the race against BMW Oracle. Valencia, 16 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

With 30 seconds left, Luna Rossa's ITA-94 begins the uninterrupted race to the start line while BMW Oracle will have to gybe in order to avoid crossing too early. Valencia, 16 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The start gun has just been fired. BMW Oracle did not finally cross too early but slowed down. At the other end of the line ITA-94 heeling like crazy is storming ahead. Valencia, 16 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Luna Rossa go to the right while BMW Oracle go to the opposite side in the first leg. Valencia, 16 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

During the first downwind leg, BMW Oracle tried to use the advantage of their faster boat but this time Luna Rossa kept a close check on them. Valencia, 16 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Luna Rossa went to the left while BMW Oracle chose the right side of the course. Valencia, 16 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing