The Swiss reset the clock.

A covered sky, 8 to 11 knots of wind and rather cool, 25°C, this fourth race was crucial for the Swiss. They had to equal the score, and they did it… the Kiwis, even though they remained in the hunt, they couldn't reverse the tendency.

The two boats got a good start. ETNZ wanted the left, Alinghi the right. One minute and 14 seconds before the start, everyone is satisfied, and the two boats have established their positions. The Swiss quickly take a twenty meter lead, then 40 meters, rounding the first mark 20 seconds in front of their adversary. Despite the attempts by the Emirates Team New Zealand, and a maneuver where the Swiss wrapped their spinnaker around a stay losing 70 meters, Dean Barker would never pass in front of Ed Baird. On the third leg, Team New Zealand stuck to two boat lengths but the distance would remain to the finish. The Swiss crossed the start line 30 seconds in front of their adversary. A race without comebacks, nor grand suspense, but which allows the Swiss to stay in the game and leaves the possibilities wide open. Two each, the competition continues at least until Sunday. Thursday, tomorrow, is a day off. Therefore the next meeting of the titans will be on 14:50 on Friday.

“It was a classic regatta, without comebacks, explained Philippe Pallu de La Barrière, member of China Design Team. Actually, Alinghi took a small advantage at the start and in the first 5 minutes. Afterwards, they were able to contain ETNZ, even though the Kiwis always remained extremely close. The conclusion: in this type of weather, one boat or the other could win. It is truly the first to get a small advantage where it will be played out.

Fdb/Lh – Valencia June 28th 2007