Round Robin Two of the 2002-2003 Louis Vuitton Cup began on Wednesday Oct 23 and was scheduled for completion on Thursday Oct 31, 2002. Several races were postponed or abandoned due to winds that were too light or too strong, and the last race was not completed until Sunday November 3. In order to fit two flights of races on days when conditions were suitable, many races were held on the shorter 12.5 mile course (2 upwind and 2 downwind legs) rather than the 18.5 mile full course (3 upwind and 3 downwind legs).
After securing first place on points over the two round robins, Team Alinghi opted to default on its race with Prada.
Also at the end of the second round robin, OneWorld was docked one point for having design information belonging to Team New Zealand.
How does the regatta work?
Teams earn one point for each win during the eight races of round robins 1 and 2, after which the top eight teams will advance to quarter finals. The top 4 teams will have the easier route to the semi-finals because, even if they lose in their quarter-finals, they will get a second chance against winners of the quarter-finals for teams 5-8. Losers in the quarter-finals for teams 5-8 will be eliminated.
