3.00pm - By JULIE ASH
The biggest news on the water today, apart from the change of guard at Oracle BMW Racing, was Alinghi's victory over OneWorld Challenge.
After nine consecutive wins OneWorld went into the match with a slight advantage, having beaten Alinghi by 10s in the first round.
But it was
Alinghi's turn today as they joined Victory Challenge, Prada and Oracle BMW Racing as the winners on the second day of the second round of the Louis Vuitton Challenger series.
Alinghi tactician Brad Butterworth said it was a tough match because the two teams were relatively even.
"It was a tight race ... pretty similar to the one in the first round.
"The boats are evenly matched [they have 11 New Zealand sailors between them] and we are happy to take a point away from it."
The main difference between the two is that OneWorld are sailing their second yacht USA67 while Alinghi have stuck with SUI64 and have yet to unleash SUI75.
OneWorld had their financial backer, telecommunications tycoon Craig McCaw, on the boat for the first time as 17th man. In the starting box they opted for the left and were first over the startline.
Alinghi followed, but immediately tacked away and a small wind shift allowed them to edge ahead and round the first mark 22s ahead.
OneWorld gained on every downwind leg, but never had the opportunity to pass, handing Alinghi a 27s victory.
"We were always scared of losing our lead," Butterworth said. "But if you get a little bit ahead it is hard to pass.
"They sailed well all the way around. It was a tough race but very enjoyable. These are the sorts of races we need to get the big picture."
OneWorld bowman Alan Smith said Alinghi hit the jackpot nailing the first windshift.
"Then they did a great job of defending."
The forecast tomorrow is for northerly 20 to 28-knot winds moving to the west in the afternoon.
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