LV Pacific Series: BMW Oracle beats Luna Rossa in quartefinal

Dean Barker might think he is the world's best sailor but his mentor Russell Coutts showed today he's not to be dismissed yet. In the second quarterfinal of the day, against Luna Rossa, the 3-times America's Cup winner steered the BMW Oracle to a decisive victory, even after getting a penalty.

Coutts got the upper hand in the prestart and crossed the line 4 seconds ahead of Luna Rossa. BMW Oracle maintained the lead until the 1st weather mark and rounded slightly ahead. It was a close situation in which both yachts got a penalty. Still, a couple of boatlengths ahead, Russell Coutts gybed in front of the Luna Rossa yacht and received a penalty. Even if it appeared to be in a difficult position, Coutts showed his skills later on. Through good boats speed and tactics, BMW Oracle managed to gain that additional meter in every maneuver that would give them breathing space in order to offload the penalty. And so they did.

Taking advantage of a puff of wind in the last run they built the margin required and carried out a perfect penalty turn on the finish line, crossing it a second ahead.

It was an uneventful prestart in the quarterfinal between Luna Rossa and BMW Oracle. Auckland, 11 February 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Peter Holmberg steering Luna Rossa during the the first beat. Auckland, 11 February 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

BMW Oracle and Luna Rossa approach the first top mark. Auckland, 11 February 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Ready for the genoa drop on Luna Rossa. Auckland, 11 February 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

BMW Oracle gybe in front of Luna Rossa and receive penalty. Auckland, 11 February 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

BMW Oracle gybe in front of Luna Rossa and receive penalty. Auckland, 11 February 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

BMW Oracle and Luna Rossa in the first run. Auckland, 11 February 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Spinnaker drop on Luna Rossa. Auckland, 11 February 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

BMW Oracle starts the 2nd beat in the lead. Auckland, 11 February 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

BMW Oracle rounds the 2nd top mark in the lead. Auckland, 11 February 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

BMW Oracle keeps increasing its advantage in the last run. Auckland, 11 February 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

BMW Oracle make their penalty turn. Auckland, 11 February 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

BMW Oracle make their penalty turn. Auckland, 11 February 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

BMW Oracle make their penalty turn. Auckland, 11 February 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

BMW Oracle wins the race thanks to the perfect penalty turn. Auckland, 11 February 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing