Video: Louis Vuitton Cup Retrospective

Here's a nice video retrospective of the 30 years Louis Vuitton is associated with the America's Cup, through the sponsorship of the Challenger Selection Series, called, what else, the Louis Vuitton Cup.

It's also interesting to see how the shape of the ACC yachts turned from a aircraft carrier into a canoe!

34TH America’s Cup announces partnership with Louis Vuitton

[Source: America's Cup] The next major step in realizing its new vision, the America’s Cup Event Authority introduced its first partner, Louis Vuitton. A continuation of its 30-year long association with the America’s Cup, the Paris-based fashion house will present the prize, the Louis Vuitton Cup, to the winner of the America’s Cup Challenger Series, as well as serve as Official Timing for the 34th America’s Cup.

“We are thrilled to announce today the continuation of our 30-year partnership with the America’s Cup. Having met with the team several times, we believe that the 34th edition will be the best America’s Cup yet,” said Yves Carcelle, Chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton Malletier.

In 2013, the Challenger Series will be staged with the winner earning the right to compete in the America’s Cup Finals. The Challenger series will be once again called the Louis Vuitton Cup, recognizing the brand’s long partnership with the America’s Cup.

In addition, Louis Vuitton will be Official Timing for the America’s Cup World Series competitions, promoting its watch collection.

34th America's Cup - Louis Vuitton Partnership announcement. From left, Bruno Troublé, Russell Coutts, Yves Carcelle, Richard Worth and Pietro Beccari. Dubai, 27 November 2010. Photo copyright Gilles Martin-Raget / America's Cup

“We are extremely priveleged that our vision for the next America’s Cup has attracted the return of a company like Louis Vuitton,” said Richard Worth, Chairman, America’s Cup Event Authority. “The 34th America’s Cup will culminate in 2013, marking the 30th anniversary of Louis Vuitton’s support of the sport of sailing, so we could not be more proud to see this great partnership continue and strengthen.”

Since 1983, the Louis Vuitton Cup Challenger Series has been held whenever there has been more than one challenger team for the America’s Cup. Its role is twofold – to select the best challenger team from the teams presented and, to prepare the winner for success against the Defender in the following America’s Cup Finals.

“I have competed for the Louis Vuitton Cup three times in the past, so I know how important it is to the Challenger’s success. We welcome the return of Louis Vuitton and look forward to racing the winner of the Louis Vuitton Cup in 2013,” said Russell Coutts, CEO, BMW ORACLE Racing.

The Louis Vuitton Cup will be in the summer of 2013, with the America’s Cup Finals in early fall. The events will feature the AC72 wing-masted catamaran, a ground-breaking new boat designed to deliver unparalleled racing competition and on-the-water excitement.

Bruno Troublé talks to Radio NZ about the future of the Louis Vuitton Cup

Listen to Bruno Troublé's 6-minute interview to Radio New Zealand's report in Valencia Todd Nial by clicking on the green play button. You can pause or stop the interview with the control buttons, just like with any other music player:

Louis Vuitton Cup - Finals - Day 5: Emirates Team NZ win the fifth race and the LV Cup

It's a pity for the Italian team but their loss this afternoon off Valencia's coast will go down in the history books. Luna Rossa is the first team ever in the Louis Vuitton Cup to go down at the final without winning a single race. Emirates Team NZ won their fifth race in a row, with considerable ease, and were crowned Louis Vuitton champions. It isn't over for them of course and the big test will take place in approximately two weeks from now, when they meet Alinghi in the America's Cup match.

Given the fact the Italians were down 4-0, everybody expected James Spithill, Luna Rossa's Australian helmsman, to go on an all out war and awe spectators with his aggressive prestart tactics. Instead, we all watched a pale reflection of James "Spitfire" commit an error by letting a big gap in the dialup. Dean Barker didn't wait long, grabbed the opportunity and bore away on port underneath ITA-94. That gave NZL-92 the control in the rest of the prestart and chose to start the race on the left side. It was an even start and both boats sailing at similar speeds.

Soon after the start, Luna rossa tacked and went to the right and after a series of tacks, Emirates Team NZ had pushed the over the right layline, almost entering into the large fleet of spectator boats. Till that point leadership was alternating between the two boats and never went over 15 meters. When NZL-92 tacked to port and headed for the top mark the race had turned around and the kiwis rounded the top mark 20 seconds ahead. Game over!

From that point the match turned into one-sided race under the absolute control of the New Zealanders, despite the Italian efforts. In the first downwind leg, ITA-94 managed to shrink the gap to 25 meters but Emirates Team NZ rounded the leeward gate with a 20-second lead. Right after rounding the gate, Luna Rossa initiated a tacking duel but to no avail. Once again the kiwi advantage was 20 seconds in the top mark. In the fourth and final leg, the delta doesn't tell the whole story. NZL-92 gained a great initial lead but at some point a left puff pushed the Italian boat ahead, closing the gap to 40 meters. Nevertheless, the kiwis stayed in control and crossed the finish line 22 seconds in advance.

Dial up in the fifth race of the Louis Vuitton Cup final between Luna Rossa and Emirates Team NZ. Luna Rossa's helmsman James Spithill, probably committed his biggest error so far by letting an immense gap between the two yachts. Valencia, 6 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Dean Barker of Emirates Team NZ was given the space and grabbed it. Valencia, 6 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Emirates Team NZ are now in control of the prestart and free to do as they please. Valencia, 6 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Seven seconds to go till hte gun and Emirates Team NZ are heading to the left side of the course. Valencia, 6 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The start of the race was pretty even. Valencia, 6 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Initially both boats went to the left on a straight line. Valencia, 6 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Luna Rossa tacked to the right soon after the start. Valencia, 6 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Both boats sailed to the right layline. Valencia, 6 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Emirates Team NZ pushed Luna Rossa over the right layline, almost into the spectator fleet. Valencia, 6 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Emirates Team NZ and Luna Rossa are on the layline and the kiwis are in charge towards the top mark. Game over! Valencia, 6 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

ClearPoint current wind situation - Valencia time 13H00

Do you want to know what data the Luna Rossa and Emirates Team NZ weather teams are reading? You now have the chance with our Clear Point weather data. Here is the current wind situation (1pm Valencia time, 2 hours before the races) at a 1km resolution.

Current wind grid on the race course at 1pm Valencia time, Wednesday 6 June 2007. Image copyright of Clear Point

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

Louis Vuitton Cup - Finals - Day 4: Emirates Team NZ once again crush Luna Rossa

Why haven't been Luna Rossa able to beat Emirates Team NZ so far? Tuesday's loss, the fourth one in a row, tells the story. The New Zealanders are plainly much better in all fronts, tactics, weather call, boat, crew work, you name it.

It was supposed to be a "Luna Rossa day", especially after the 15-minute postponement, due to unstable winds. There was no sea breeze, winds were considerably light, 7 to 10 knots and very shifty coming from the north east. Conventional wisdom wanted the Italians to have the advantage.

Luna Rossa entered the starting box from the left and after an aggressive prestart, James Spithill managed to cross over NZL-92 and win the right side. Luna Rossa crossed the starting line at the committee end while the New Zealanders opted for the pin end. Both boats started the race at a similar pace and seemed convinced in their tactical decision since they both powered ahead in straight line, resulting in a separation that reached 1,100 meters at some stage. When the yachts converged and crossed for the first time, the Italians were 100 meters ahead of the kiwis.

As Ray Davies, strategist aboard NZL-92, said in the press conference, the left shift his team was expecting finally came and as a result when the two boats crossed again the Italian advantage had decreased to just 40 meters. At that moment, Torben Grael, Luna Rossa's tactician, took the decision that judged the race. Instead of pushing NZL-92 they tacked to their leeward. From that point, the kiwis powered ahead and pushed Luna Rossa over the right layline. When the boats tacked and headed towards the top mark, Emirates Team NZ were already ahead and round the top mark 19 seconds ahead of Luna Rossa. Game over!

The Italians were unable to do anything for the rest of the race. In the first downwind leg the two yachts went on a long straight line till the middle of the course with ITA-94 staying closely behind, around 3 boatlenghts. Then NZL-92 gybed and under dying winds, close to 6.5 knots, they extended their lead, rounding the leeward gate 54 seconds in advance. The following upwind leg was again a one sided story and NZL-92 rounded the top mark 1 minute ahead of Luna Rossa. Finally, the last leg didn't see any difference and Emirates Team NZ crossed the finish line 52 seconds ahead.

Five seconds after the gun, both boats start at full speed but at the complete opposite ends of the starting line. Valencia, 5 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

It was evident Luna Rossa wanted the right side while Emirates Team NZ were looking for the left. Valencia, 5 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

During the first stretch of the race both teams powered ahead on their respective sides, increasing separation to 1100 meters at some point. Valencia, 5 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

At the first cross, Luna Rossa was 75 meters ahead of the New Zealanders. Valencia, 5 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Luna Rossa commit the error that decided the race. Instead of pushing NZL-92 to the opposite side they tack to her leeward and see their lead vanish. Valencia, 5 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The race has now been turned upside down. NZL-92 has pushed ITA-94 way off the right layline and is heading towards the top mark with a 70-meter lead. In the foreground the "Kiwi brain trust" is watching the race from the support boat. Valencia, 5 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Halfway way through the first downwind leg, Emirates Team NZ had extended their lead. Valencia, 5 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Once again, excellent crew work aboard NZL-92 in the leeward gate. Valencia, 5 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Emirates Team NZ rounded the right while Luna Rossa opted for the left. Valencia, 5 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Similar to yesterday's race and despite their lead, Emirates Team NZ didn't take any chances and tacked to cover Luna Rossa. Valencia, 5 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Not a pretty picture at all but it clearly depicts the kiwi lead in the second upwind leg. Valencia, 5 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

In the final stretch of the race there was a glimpse of sunshine through the clouds but for Luna Rossa the future was still bleak. Valencia, 5 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Yet another victorious finish for Emirates Team NZ. Valencia, 5 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

"Winch Helmets": Gimmick or technological advance?

Tuesday saw another complete domination of Emirates Team NZ over Luna Rossa. A combination of on-the-spot weather call, excellent tactics, perfect crew work and superior boat speed resulted in the New Zealanders winning their fourth consecutive race. They only need to win Wednesday's match point and carry the Louis Vuitton Cup trophy to Auckland.

We will obviously report in full on the race but in the meantime have a look at the first shots of the kiwi "winch helmets". In today's race they put them on approximately 6 minutes before the start. Gimmick or technological advance?

Winch helmet on NZL-92. Valencia, 5 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Louis Vuitton Cup - Finals - Day 4: Preview

Good morning from rainy and cloudy Valencia. There was strong shower on Monday night followed by some drizzle on Tuesday morning and the outlook for the rest of the day doesn't look very promising.

Whatever the weather forecast, it is the most important day for Luna Rossa, as they face yet another win-or-bust race. We wrote it before and it sounds repetitive but this only because the Italians have found themselves into this situation. There is no point into playing the blaming game, Luna Rossa have to get their act and start sailing perfectly if they want to come back. Talking of comebacks, if they make it they will be the first team to find itself in such a point deficit and win the Louis Vuitton Cup. If on the other hand they lose today, a 4-0 deficit will be impossible to overcome, especially against a team as impeccable as Emirates Team NZ.

Weather forecast
According to the event organizers there is a weak low pressure over southern Spain. There will be a light northeasterly gradient breeze early in the day, that will then veer to east 8-10 knots before decreasing later in the afternoon. There is more lower level cloud than recently and hence it is cooler, but it will remain dry. Maximum temperature will only reach 22 degrees.

A brand new feature has been added to Valencia Sailing thanks to Clear Point, provider of a premiere new product offering into the marine weather marketplace, ClearPoint High Definition Weather. It is the world's most comprehensive and easy to use global weather information service, now available for sailors and racers. It also uses the world's most advanced predictive technology to make accurate forecasts up to three days ahead for any part of the globe. Their brand new product is being launched these days in Valencia, so check their website at www.clearpointweather.com and contact them to find more about the very competitive pricing schemes.

Satellite image of the western Mediterranean at 10am Valencia time, Tuesday 5 June 2007. Image copyright of Clear Point

Louis Vuitton Cup - Finals - Day 3: Emirates Team NZ thrash Luna Rossa

In this morning preview we asked who was to blame for Luna Rossa's weak performance in the first two races. The same question is now begging for an answer after their humiliating defeat by Emirates Team NZ, the third in a row. Not only did the Italians lose three races, in each one of the them Emirates Team NZ increased their lead, from 8 seconds, to 40 seconds and today's 1:38 minutes.

James Spithill, the Australian helmsman of Luna Rossa, did his job in what initially seemed to be an excellent way. After controlling the prestart, Luna Rossa powered ahead when the gun fired while NLZ-92 was thought to be struggling with lower speed at the committee boat end. But as Ray Davies, tactician aboard NZL-92, said the weather call couldn't be more precise. Emirates Team NZ was looking to be positioned tighter leeward or wide right and that's exactly what they got. During a long straight race the kiwis pushed Luna Rossa to the left and turned a 25-meter disadvantage to a 40-meter lead. In vain, the Italians were looking for the additional 10 meters that could have allowed them to cross in front but that never took place.

When the two boats crossed, NZL-92 was already 2 boatlengths ahead of ITA-94. In the rest of the first leg, Emirates Team NZ kept tight control and being on the favored side extended their lead and rounded the top mark 40 seconds in advance. The first run was dominated by New Zealand. The Italians tried to force an error on NZL-92 with 8 gybes but once again crew work was impeccable and the kiwis extended their lead to 55 seconds at the leeward gate.

In the second beat the New Zealanders were always in control and left Luna Rossa no breathing space. At the top mark the lead was again 55 seconds. During the last leg, Emirates Team NZ added insult to injury by finding better wind pressure and extending the lead to an incredible 1:38 minutes at the finish line, a delta that made us remember the days of the round robins and the matches against the German or Chinese teams.

With 10 seconds to go, everybody on the media boat was applauding Spithill's apparently great start. How little did we know. Valencia, 3 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

One second after the start Luna Rossa was leading at the starting line while Emirates Team NZ was still at the committee end and with lower speed. Valencia, 3 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Emirates Team NZ start 9 seconds late and at that moment everybody thought the "magic" Spithill had won the race right at the start. Valencia, 3 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Emirates Team NZ pushed by both pressure and a small right shift put on the accelerator and decrease their gap. Valencia, 3 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Four minutes after the start, Emirates Team NZ turned a 25-meter disadvantage into a 40-meter advantage. Valencia, 3 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

After a long straight line where Emirates Team NZ pushed Luna Rossa to the left, the kiwis are ahead at the first cross. Game over! Valencia, 3 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Halfway through the first run Emirates Team NZ had built a comfortable advantage. Valencia, 3 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

We are sick and tired of repeating this but crew work on Emirates Team NZ at the leeward gate once again reached perfection. Valencia, 3 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Emirates Team NZ rounded the leeward gate 55 seconds ahead of Luna Rossa. Valencia, 3 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Despite their lead, the kiwis tacked immediately after the leeward gate to cover the Italian boat. Valencia, 3 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Not much to say about the last leg. Emirates Team NZ found still better wind and were leading by half a kilometer at stage. Valencia, 3 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

I always like this kind of shots. NZL-92 just crossed the finish line, 1:38 minutes ahead of ITA-94 and Emirates Team NZ are now 3-0 in the finals. Still, not a handshake on the boat not an eyebrow raised. Valencia, 3 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Louis Vuitton Cup - Finals - Day 3: Preview - Win or bust

Good morning from Valencia where Luna Rossa's crew are now facing a win-or-bust day. If yesterday's race was a must win then if they lose this one as well, they should expect some really painful welcoming party from Patrizio Bertelli, the Italian team's owner, when the boat returns to the base in the afternoon.

Who is to blame on the Italian side for their performance in these two races of the Louis Vuitton Cup finals? Should we blame the Italians at all or are the New Zealanders simply superior? After all one of the two teams must win. Or is it just too early to think it's all over. One thing is for sure, James "Spitfire" Spithill hasn't been able to do his prestart magic against the kiwis in the first race and when he did in the second race the price to pay was too high.

Today everybody expects much lighter winds, a boon for Luna Rossa. Psychology could also play a very important role. Spithill can enter the start box fired up and Barker a touch overconfident, giving the Australian the opportunity to reach his full potential. Before we hang the Luna Rossa crew we should at least wait to see how they sail today. If they lose for the third time in a row, they will certainly need the divine intervention from San Francesco, or as the Italians say, "San Francesco pensaci tu".

"San Francesco pensaci tu". Photo copyright Gianni Armiraglio

Weather forecast
Today's weather forecast isn't encouraging at all. According to the event organizers, a slack pressure system over Spain slows the pace. A light northerly gradient early in the day is expected to develop into a light southeasterly sea breeze 6-8 knots. High cloud cover will move in later in the afternoon and it's going to be a dry and warm day although maximum temperatures will reach just 24 degrees.

In fact, yesterday afternoon, in the press conference following the races, Ray Davies mentioned that "Clouds" (nickname of Roger Badham, meteorologist of Emirates Team NZ) had some doubts about whether wind would be strong enough to hold any racing today. "Clouds" is thought to be the best meteorologist in the America's Cup, hence his nickname.

Louis Vuitton Cup - Finals - Day 2: Emirates Team NZ dominate easily over Luna Rossa

Depending on whether you are a fan of Luna Rossa or Emirates Team NZ you are either concerned or plain relaxed, since it seems the kiwi sailors never get excited when they win.

Nevertheless, they are not here to have fun but win the America's Cup and what they achieved today was a demonstration they made another step towards achieving their goal. Their domination over Luna Rossa was clear from the beginning. The "majestic" James Spithill was left powerless against Dean Barker and he was not given a single opportunity to capitalize on his aggressive prestart skills.

Luna Rossa wanted the right side and got it but had to pay a heavy price that determined the outcome of the race. With 40 seconds to go before the start, Luna Rossa was on the right but as the two boats sped to the line, Barker made sure it was tough for the Italians squeezing them to the committee boat. Spithill was forced to slow down and Barker crossed the start line 1 second ahead, with greater speed and better positioned. Right after the start Luna Rossa had to tack to the right. This initial speed difference gave the kiwis an advantage of one boatlength they later used to takc to the right as well and cover Luna Rossa.

Halfway up the first beat Luna Rossa started a tacking duel, resulting in 22 tacks but to no avail. Not only didn't they manage to pass or threaten the New Zealanders but they gave them opportunity to built on their lead, rounding the top mark 25 seconds ahead.

In the run, the New Zealanders felt no threat at all and increased their lead again. Luna Rossa tried again to force errors on the kiwi boat by gybing but Emirates Team NZ answered to each and every gybe and rounded the leeward gate 35 seconds ahead of the Italians and their crew execution was impeccable. After 3 years in Valencia, the press on the media boat was still amazed by the speed the kiwi spinnaker dropped and disappeared in the yacht's sewer. Both boats rounded the right buoy and in the second beat New Zealanders kept covering their opponent to death. They gained an extra 4 seconds and rounded the top mark 39 seconds in advance.

The last leg did not offer any excitement and was one sided. Emirates Team NZ crossed the line 40 seconds ahead of Luna Rossa who probably learned the hard way that if you are behind NZL-92 you stay behind her till the finish line.

Prestart of the race between Emirates Team NZ and Luna Rossa. Valencia, 2 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Luna Rossa get in a position to have the right side. Valencia, 2 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

With 40 seconds to go, both boats power ahead towards the start line. Valencia, 2 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

With only 8 seconds to go, James Spithill has no option but slow down ITA-94 and lose the advantage he held on the right side. Valencia, 2 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The start was apparently even, but the kiwis crossed the line one second ahead and, more importantly, with greater speed and better positioned. Valencia, 2 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing


Moments after the start of the race, Luna Rossa had to tack to the right. Valencia, 2 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The initial speed advantage pushed Emirates Team NZ to a boatlength lead. Valencia, 2 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Dean Barker took advantage of the lead and tacked to the right as well, closely following Luna Rossa. Valencia, 2 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Halfway up the first beat Luna Rossa started a tacking duel that resulted in 22 tacks. Valencia, 2 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Halfway down the first run Emirates Team NZ had already built a comfortable advantage. Valencia, 2 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

At the approach to the leeward gate Emirates Team NZ had increased their lead. Valencia, 2 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Once again, crew work was absolutely impeccable as Emirates Team NZ rounded the leeward gate. Valencia, 2 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Emirates Team NZ rounded the leeward gate 35 seconds ahead of Luna Rossa. Valencia, 2 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Luna Rossa's spinnaker drop was far from perfect. Valencia, 2 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Luna Rossa were given no opportunities to pass in the last leg. Valencia, 2 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Final stretch before the finish line and too late for the Italians to do anything. Valencia, 2 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Second win in a row for Emirates Team NZ. Valencia, 2 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing