Louis Vuitton Cup - Semifinals - Day 6: Fabulous Luna Rossa eliminate BMW Oracle and move to Louis Vuitton Cup finals

What a match!! BMW Oracle, the team that just two weeks ago was considered to be the favorite to win the Louis Vuitton Cup or even the America's Cup was forced to bow out of competition after being beaten 5-1 by Luna Rossa. For the fifth time in their six semifinal matches, James Spithill showed no mercy and drove the Italian boat to a comfortable victory. Luna Rossa advances to the finals while BMW Oracle will certainly go through a period of reflection to assess the errors committed in this campaign. Judging by his statements in the post-race press conference, Chris Dickson will probably not be part of the team after this edition of the world's oldest sailing event.

Once again, and for the last time in this America's Cup, the Louis Vuitton Cup semifinal match between Luna Rossa and BMW Oracle was decided at the prestart. The main difference today was the fact that USA-98 was helmed by Sten Mohr who substituted Chris Dickson on Saturday night after Larry Ellison's decision. Match racing virtuoso James Spithill didn't have any problems forcing Sten Mohr into the committee boat while he powered away towards the pin end. Luna Rossa crossed the starting line at full speed while Mohr had to luff past the committee boat at a much slower speed. Right after the starting line, Luna Rossa tacked to cover the Americans and stayed on the left. Aided by a left shift, they passed the BMW Oracle boat and rounded the top mark 32 seconds ahead of them.

Having no interest other than maintain this lead, Luna Rossa avoided any unorthodox match racing practices and kept close to BMW Oracle who were unable to get any closer. Luna Rossa crossed the finish line 33 seconds in advance of BMW Oracle and won the ticket to the finals.

BMW Oracle at the prestart of the race against Luna Rossa, with Sten Mohr at the helm. The Danish sailor had the unfortunate privilege of helming the American boat in her last race of the 32nd America's Cup. Valencia, 20 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Last jump off USA-98 for the BMW Oracle meteorologist for the 32nd America's Cup. Valencia, 20 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Prestart of the race between Luna Rossa and BMW Oracle. Valencia, 20 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Prestart of the race between Luna Rossa and BMW Oracle. With too much time on his hand, Sten Mohr is forced to takc towards the committee boat while James Spithill powers away towards the pin end. Valencia, 20 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Prestart of the race between Luna Rossa and BMW Oracle. With just 3 seconds to go, BMW Oracle has slowed towards the committee boat while Luna Rossa will hit the line at full speed. Valencia, 20 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Right after crossing the start line, Luna Rossa tacks. Valencia, 20 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Luna Rossa did not separate from BMW Oracle. Valencia, 20 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Halfway through the first beat Luna Rossa was holding on to their advantage. Valencia, 20 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

At the leeward gate, Luna Rossa rounded the right while BMW Oracle went for the left. Valencia, 20 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

At no time did Sten Mohr and the BMW Oracle crew threaten Luna Rossa. Here, halfway through the last leg, ITA-94 has a comfortable advantage towards victory. Valencia, 20 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

ITA-94 crosses the finish line first, Luna Rossa advance to the Louis Vuitton Cup semifinals and BMW Oracle put an end to their campaign for the 32nd America's Cup. Valencia, 20 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing