Sweden's Victory Challenge lived up to their name yet again today, scoring a win over the second Italian challenge, Mascalzone Latino.
In a competitive start in 15 to 18-knot winds, both boats were over the startline early and had to restart, with the Italians then dipping back across the line first.
But
the Swedes, racing SWE63, regained their composure and led the Italians around the first mark by 21s. Their lead increased to 27s at the first leeward mark and to 35s at the second windward mark.
Then the "Latin Rascals" fought back. Mascalzone Latino gained 17s on the Swedes as they turned at the second leeward mark 18s behind.
The gap was the same heading around the third windward mark into the home straight, but the Swedes stormed home, finishing 35s ahead of the Italians and keeping their unbeaten record intact.
After a bye on the first day of racing, the Swedes got their campaign off to a good start with a convincing win over the French challenge Le Defi Areva, which they backed up with a 33s win over Team Dennis Conner on Saturday.
The Swede's Mani Frers-designed black yacht Orn is clearly fast, and with double Olympic medallist Jesper Bank leading a talented Scandinavian crew, they look very impressive for a team new to the game.
"We knew the match against Stars and Stripes would give a good indication of where we stand. It does look good," Bank said.
Victory Challenge were regarded as the dark horses of the competition, and now after just three races they look capable of securing a top-four spot.
Winds: light and shifting
Winning margin: 00.35
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