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The Kiwis win again (but what a race...)June 26, 2007 In many ways this year's America's Cup competition is the best there's been for a long time. Not only has the European location seen a new mix of teams and more international spectator turnout, but the last three cup events all ended in 5:0 wins for the winning teams whereas with three races finished in this year's event it's impossible to say with any certainty who the winner will be. Today's match must have been a nightmare for the punters as first Team New Zealand looked certain to win, then Alinghi dominated the second half only to give the race back to the Kiwis again just a few minutes before the finish line. Finding a stong breeze on the right hand side of the course, team NZ built up an impressive 400m lead over Alinghi in the first leg of the race. The capricious wind conditions ensured that the Kiwis couldn't take their lead for granted, and they defended the second leg, allowing the Swiss to advance on them only slightly. But NZL92's strong 1 minute advantage at the second mark turned into a 15 second deficit by the third mark as the team effected a poor spinnaker drop which slowed them down considerably. Alinghi sailed further ahead, leading by over 100m and looking certain of a victory until NZL92 picked up another strong breeze which moved them back in front with just minutes to go, where they held on to win by 25 seconds. |