Desafío Trophy - Day 1: Alinghi and Tam Origin tied in first place

Regardless of what one might opine about the CNEV, it was great to see the 4 America's Cup boats racing this afternoon off the Malvarosa beach in Valencia. Not only did we get the chance to see some nice sailing, unfortunately in light winter conditions, we watched Team Origin maker its fist official appearance as well as the return of a new Luna Rossa with Peter Holmberg at the helm.

Two races were sailed, the first one was won by Team Origin and the second one by Alinghi. Both teams are tied at 4 points after having also scored a 3rd. Desafío and Luna Rossa are tied at 6 points with a 2nd and a 4th each. Alinghi could be one point clear of Team Origin if it wasn't for the three ripped spinnakers in the first run of the first race.

The schedule for Saturday calls for another 2 races that will hopefully take place with a stronger breeze.

Race 1After spending two hours drifting around, the 4 AC yachts finally started racing under a northeasterly breeze of no more than 5-6 knots. Team Origin, Alinghi and Luna Rossa opted for the left side of the course while Desafío took the unfortunate decision to go right. The left shift halfway up the first beat resulted in the Spanish getting stalled and were left with no chances. Team Origin led form the start and although Alinghi didn't show any speed edge under these light conditions, they rounded the 1st top mark close behind the Brits. Murray Jones, helmsman of the Defender's boat in this regatta, had stated in yesterday's press conference the crew was still a little bit rusty and it showed in the downwind legs. On the first gybe of the first run Alinghi ripped their spinnaker, the first in a series of three. The second and third broken spinnakers happened at last stretch of the last leg, giving Luna Rossa the opportunity to overtake them and finish second.

Start of the 1st race. Valencia, 7 November 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Team Origin leads at the first mark. Valencia, 7 November 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi rips spinnaker one. Valencia, 7 November 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Luna Rossa rounds the leeward gate in 3rd place. Valencia, 7 November 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Ben Ainslie at the helm of Team Origin, leading the race at the 2nd weather mark. Valencia, 7 November 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Peter Holmberg at the helm of Luna Rossa, 3rd at the 2nd weather mark. Valencia, 7 November 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi rips spinnaker two. Valencia, 7 November 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi rips spinnaker three, 5 minutes after hoisting it. Valencia, 7 November 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Luna Rossa passes Alinghi in the last stretch and finishes 2nd. Valencia, 7 November 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Race 1The second race started quickly after the end of the first with a slightly stronger breeze, some 8-9 knots. Alinghi's SUI-100 had a more evident speed edge and Murray Jones didn't have any problems helming her to victory. They led from the start, rounded the top mark with a comfortable lead and managed to stretch it, crossing the finish line clearly ahead of Desafío.

Start of the 2nd race. Valencia, 7 November 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi led the race from the first beat. Valencia, 7 November 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The fleet in the first downwind leg. Valencia, 7 November 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi leads the race in the second upwind leg. Valencia, 7 November 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Last stretch of the race and Alinghi sails to victory. Valencia, 7 November 2008. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing