3-2 : Alinghi retakes control

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The Defender took advantage of a New Zealand out-of-control spinnaker to retake the lead from the Challenger. Unfortunately, the New Zealanders couldn’t recover from their errors. Dominating from the beginning of the race, they have NZL92 at their disposition, which is just as fast as that of the Swiss, even in a 15 knot breeze. In these conditions, even though perfect for suspense and interesting racing, the least thing broken or the least error could have fatal consequences.

Dean Barker made an aggressive start and led Alinghi on a slalom course through the middle of the media boats and spectator fleet. Returning back to the start line, the Swiss boat is late, but seem content to be able to take the right hand side of the course. The Kiwis take off on the left, two boat lengths in front and don’t hesitate tacking to cover Alinghi. The two boats extend on a port tack for a long speed test. We think SUI 100 is faster, but NZL 92 is also at ease and is able to maintain their advantage.

Dean Barker forces Ed Baird, to leeward, to sail during 2 minutes out side of the starboard layline. First to tack, the Kiwi boat realizes its advantage and leads from there on out by 2 to 3 boat lengths around the buoy, rounding with 12 seconds to their benefit. 70 meters in front, Dean Barker is in a comfortable position, out of immediate danger from Alinghi. The Swiss start to comeback, albeit slowly. On board NZL 92 there is excitement. A small hole is discovered in the spinnaker. It is necessary to change the sail quickly and carry out a “spinnaker peel”, a delicate maneuver consisting of raising a new spinnaker inside the broken one before bringing the old one down. The 15 knots of wind, and a big wave, are finally the reasons which make the spinnaker explode. It is also why the new spinnaker becomes entangled with the old. The first spinnaker is recuperated, but looking like a big flag, the second sadly flies uncontrollably behind the boat, attached to the top of the mast. The third is rapidly raised, at the same time that the second is abandoned into the Mediterranean, to be picked up by the New Zealand chase boat.

SUI 100 couldn’t ask for more and quickly take the lead. At the bottom of the course, Team New Zealand limits the damage done, and rounds the leeward gate 26 seconds behind. Not being one to give up, Dean Barker makes a mad attempt to catch up, constantly looking for fresh breeze, and if possible, away from his adversary.

There is time still to get back into the race, but like yesterday, Butterworth is vigilant and doesn’t give his adversary the opportunity to comeback. On the windward beat, the Kiwis only regain 2 seconds. The scenario is identical to the first beat out to the right, and it is Alinghi who rounds with a 19 second lead.

The Defender is no more than two victories away from holding on to the precious trophy, the America’s Cup.

RV-LH / Valencia, 29 June 2007.