A series of classic dial ups marked the start of the match between Italy's Mascalzone Latino with helmsman Paolo Cian and the Russell Coutts-skippered Alinghi from Switzerland on the 3rd day of racing in the Louis Vuitton Cup.
With the Swiss boat suffering a defeat on the previous day and
Mascalzone Latino yet to score a point in this first Round Robin, both boats were keen to ensure a score on the board.
But while the preamble to the start may have looked fairly evenly matched, Alinghi took the upper hand in a simple but devastating manoeuvre on Mascalzone Latino just seconds before the start, driving over the top of the Italian boat and leaving them dead in the water.
Seconds later Mascalzone Latino appeared to have a problem aboard leaving them stuck on the line as Alinghi stormed away.
The Italians finally crossed the line nearly two minutes after Alinghi but the damage had been done and the distance between the two boats increased on every leg.
Adding to their problems, Mascalzone Latino blew out a spinnaker just seconds after hoisting it on the last downwind leg.
Alinghi went on to win the race and crossed the line well ahead of Mascalzone Latino.
Winds: S 16-22k
Winning margin: 7.08
*** This result is pending a possible protest by the Race Committee against Alinghi for failing to switch on its on-board microphones as required under the rules. The protest will be heard this evening.
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