START: After a 2 1/2-hour delay because of a lack of wind, racing finally began just before 4pm in moderate, 12-knot, winds. Both yachts went deep into the box and both wanted the right. But it was Russell Coutts and Brad Butterworth who timed it perfectly and bolted over the
line first Margin: Alinghi by a second.
MARK ONE: In the lighter conditions and flat sea, Oracle kept Peter Holmberg at the helm for the race, leaving skipper Chris Dickson in control of tactics. Little separated the two yachts up the first beat and Oracle had the Swiss firmly in their sights. Margin: Alinghi by 8s.
MARK TWO: Oracle accelerated around the mark and slightly closed the gap before Alinghi threw a dummy tack which the Americans fell for. As the rounding of the mark drew closer, the gap narrowed. However, in the Louis Vuitton, it is one thing to catch up and it is another to pass. Margin: Alinghi by 13s.
MARK THREE: Alinghi powered up the second beat and were soon two boat-lengths ahead. The pair were separated by 500m at one stage in the leg, but Oracle came back to within a boat-length. Margin: Alinghi by 12s.
MARK FOUR: The second downwind leg was where it all happened as the Americans powered over the top of Alinghi and into the lead. For most of the leg the umpires were the centre of attention as at least a dozen protest flags flew. Disaster struck for Oracle when they clipped Alinghi's transom, which incurred a penalty. Margin: Oracle by 8s.
MARK FIVE: Oracle stretched out to a lead of 120m as they showed some speed upwind and made use of the breeze. Margin: Oracle by 29s.
MARK SIX : Oracle worked up a handy lead, but with 30s to 40s needed to complete a penalty turn, the last leg was always going to come down to the wire. Oracle completed the penalty turn and crossed the finish line just a second behind Alinghi. But as they turned they nudged the pin, which resulted in another penalty turn. Margin: Alinghi by 1m 01s.
nzherald.co.nz/americascup
Racing schedule, results and standings
