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Aiuto It
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Forfeiting Flight 4 Pays Off The race was launched at the lower wind limit of 7 knots. The start was turning into a disaster movie. After clearly winning the start - assisted by an Orm mistake, Luna Rossa had the choice of the course. The port side seemed better and a 2 boat length lead was immediately apparent. But in Hauraki Bay a 20° shift favoured the right-hand side of the course and the Swedes opened a 4 boat length lead in no time at all. The wind never seemed to shift back to the left. Quickly one was hoping that Luna Rossa's favoured leeward speed would compensate for this loss. Yet, slowly but surely, the gap closed; a gain entirely the result of better windward speed. An extra gybe by Jesper Bank to cover the opponent turned superfluous and LR turned this into a dominant position just in time to round the first marker. Luna Rossa then covered Orm gybe for gybe, The statistics show Luna Rossa gradually gaining ground until the distance was over 12 boat lengths. In addition to the healthy tactical approach, the boat speed looks positively superior. Comparisons with the other race - whose data is relevant as it was held on the same course and whose tactics were very similar for the first 3 markers - indicate that LR's competitiveness appears to be superior. While most of Italy is under dismal rain, the beautiful summer kiwi weather brings heartwarming news. Forefeiting that last race against Alinghi to get the changes to the hull underway was a wise decision. It seems that windward speed has noticably improved... at least in wind conditions similar to those normally experienced in February & March. Similar weather is expected tomorrow: let's see if the data firms up. * * * * * * * Last minute: Team Dennis Conner launched an additional protest dealing with sportsmanship & fair rules of the America's Cup Protocol. The jury has decided the complaint is receivable and will hear witnesses, but after the conclusion of the repêchage. One cannot imagine oneWorld winning 4-0 then being bounced out by a ruling...
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