Raced in a light and shifty southerly wind, the 'Latin Rascals' put up a spirited fight to lead Peter Gilmour's OneWorld around the first two marks to nearly cause the biggest upset of the regatta so far.
Paolo Cian helming Mascalzone Latino ITA-72 fought for the pin end of thestart line and crossed the line two seconds ahead of James Spithill at the helm of OneWorld USA-67.
OneWorld made initial gains on the right hand side of the first beat and started to extend ahead and looked to be in control of the battle.
Italian tactician Flavio Favini put his faith in the left and split from the American boat to make a huge gain in the final quarter of the beat.
Turning the race on its head, Mascalzone Latino went from what looked like a two-minute deficit to a lead of 24-seconds around the first mark.
Another split developed on the run, with the Italians remaining on port gybe after the mark, while Gilmour took his boat out to the east in search of more wind.
Initially the American boat looked to be closing, but the Italians were able to hold on and when the boats came together were still 100 metres ahead.
OneWorld was able to finally get back into the lead on the third beat and took the Italians well past the starboard lay line to round ahead as the wind died.
Both boats 'parked' shortly after hoisting spinnakers. A huge wind shift to the south east turned the downwind leg into a fetch.
OneWorld was finally able to extend ahead on the third and final beat, thereafter building an unassailable lead, covering every move from the 'Latin Rascals'.
