Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Louis Vuitton Cup - Finals - Day 5: Preview - Match Point

Good morning from Valencia. The rain showers finally developed a couple of hours after Tuesday's races and the whole city was soaked during the night. Fortunately, the front moved north to France and it seems we will enjoy nicer weather today.

Wednesday is the first match point in the Louis Vuitton Cup finals. Emirates Team NZ have clearly and completely dominated the first four races of the final series against all conventional wisdom. Speaking of conventional wisdom, it is now the second time it is off the mark. A couple of weeks ago everyone, including Valencia Sailing, was expecting a very close semifinal between Luna Rossa and BMW Oracle. Not only didn't that take place, Luna Rossa easily dominated the races. Five days ago, similarly, we were expecting the final to be even closer and more exciting. Here we are now, with the Italians 4 matches down and with the exception of the very first race the kiwis have thrashed Luna Rossa.

If Luna Rossa lose today they will have the unfortunate advantage of holding the worst score in the history of the Louis Vuitton Cup finals. No other team would have gone without winning at least a race in the 25-year history of this event. In the previous edition in Auckland, Alinghi also dominated over the other finalist, Oracle BMW, but with the final scoreline at 5-1.

Weather forecast
According to event organizers, a high pressure builds to the east resulting into sunshine and sea breeze. A southeasterly sea breeze 9-11 knots will develop and veer to south southeast throughout the afternoon. Skies will be clear and it's going to be a warmer and dry day. Maximum temperature will reach 24 degrees.

ClearPoint Weather Image
Satellite image of the western Mediterranean at 9:30am Valencia time, Wednesday 6 June 2007. Image copyright of Clear Point

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