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America's Cup Race four - Alinghi evens the score |
Alinghi sailed a better race today as evidenced by their proper start and acceleration off the line. They wanted the right side and worked to maintain the right by hanging in late next to the committee boat and waiting for New Zealand to drive off for the line. After the gun went off, the speed difference over NZ was enormous. 3 minutes into the race, Alinghi had separation to windward and a 30 meter lead. It was a horse race out to the left corner, New Zealand sometimes getting speed on Alinghi but more often than not, Alinghi controling out to the port layline. Alinghi tacked just underneath the line and led around the mark and covered New Zealand went they jibe set.
 Alinghi covers into the finishline
They managed to save themselves slowly and chase New Zealand who had taken the opposite mark off to the left side. Halfway up the second windward leg, New Zealand did their best to escape Alinghi and get back to the middle of the course. When this didn't work, they tried another jibe set which Alinghi covered as well as the next four jibes in succession. New Zealand went hunting on the right which had payed off before but Alinghi covered into the finish line.
At 2 all, it is very interesting to see the two boats and their bursts of speed, particulary Alinghi who seems to have a fifth gear.
The results of todays racing could be in jeopardy as New Zealand has lodged a protest concerning whether or not the mainhalyard was fixed on its "hook" where it belongs by the rules on Alinghi. There protest hearing will be at 11:00.
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