Home - Lyn Hines - New Zealand sails close hauled to victory

New Zealand sails close hauled to victory

Posted 1 year, 2 months ago

New Zealand sails close hauled to victory
New Zealand used their pointing ability and took advantage of Alinghi's mistakes to even up the score cards. After 3 years of bobbing about in the Acts...it could finally be some real racing with two teams who have proven themselves on the scoreboard. New Zealand today used a typical tactic for them, come into the start box fast. Alinghi planted themselves in the right places but with NZ going full speed, they were able to get an overlap while both boats were approaching the start line. Alinghi escaped by tacking towards the comittee boat and back again to the start line, at the same time NZ was chasing them. New Zealand, sailing higher, started closer to the right side and Alinghi was fighting for speed to leeward. After about three minutes, Alinghi shifted into 5th gear, overdrive, or what ever you want to call it. They forced New Zealand to tack away and after continuing several boat lengths, tacked back to stay with NZ but had also gained enough to cross NZ clearly the next time they would meet.Despite a serious tacking duel upwind and jibes downwind, Alinghi remained in the lead even though they jibed away to the left side without any obvious reason at one point. After the leeward mark, Alinghi coming in on starboard, tacked, or leebowed NZ coming in on port. At that time there was a lift and NZ did what she does well and started to point high. Too late for Alinghi, who now has lost control and will be forced out to the starboard layline.Plenty of tacks and jibes came next but the damage had already been done.Emerates Team New Zealand has changed the dynamics of the game with this win.And in the truth or fiction section, more talk of Oracle's plans with an experienced Cup sailor, Louis Vuitton's future plans in the Cup, and as you can imagine the rest.No sailing tomorrow. Full Story »

Comments are currently disabled