|
Race One Louis Vuitton Cup Finals |
 New Zealand gets right side and stays out of Spithills clutches
A much anticipated match race between ETNZ and Luna Rossa lived up to expectations. In a fresh 14 knot breeze after a 45 minute postponement, racing got underway. The first race of the LVC was won by ETNZ at the start, and at the first downwind rounding mark. Dean Barker came in from the unfavored port side, not being able to stay in a dial up, Luna Rossa peeled off to starboard with NZ chasing engaging the Italians in a circle which left NZ on the right. Despite the Italians efforts to luff up to NZ before the start line, the Kiwis held up to windward and started even but without the same speed. The start gave the impression that Barker didn’t want to get into a big fight this early and wanted just to sail their race, which seems to have paid off. NZ peeled off to the right side of the course with the Italians following. 2/3rds of the way up the leg, NZ tacked to starboard and the Italians were forced to tack underneath them, with NZ sailing them all the way to the port layline for the windward mark. At the first downwind mark, the spread was 2 boat lengths.
 New Zealand leads Luna Rossa |
