The Swiss in a tough spot
In a stronger wind than on previous days, the first race of the day was to pit the Swiss against the Defender. But once again, the Alinghi team failed to shine. Just before the start, a broken mainsail track forced them to return to port for a quick repair. The team heads back to the race course in tow of a tender at over 30 knots, but it's not enough. Arriving too late for the start procedure, the Swiss are automatically disqualified. ETNZ nevertheless takes the start while waiting for the Swiss, then decides to stop racing in the middle of a round already won.
The best run since the start of the Louis Vuitton Cup
The next race pitted Orient Express Team against Ineos. The latter is 2nd overall. The French are still looking for success, with a single victory over Alinghi.
And the show was up to the task! After pushing Ineos to the starting line, Quentin Delapierre took the lead while the British repaired. A superb duel ensued, during which the two AC75s stayed in contact. On the 2nd e upwind, Ineos tacked ahead of the French and took a 2 e penalty. Excitement begins to build in the French camp. But despite a good glide, but not as good downwind speed, the French are overtaken and finish 2nd e just 16 seconds behind the winner.
Despite a few mistakes, this round showed that the French clearly have the potential to beat the teams at the top of the rankings.
ETNZ and Luna Rossa untouchable
The third race pitted the Swiss against Luna Rossa, the big favorite for this Louis Vuitton Cup. But despite a great start, the foiler with the winged bull saw the Italians escape. At no point were the Italians challenged by the Alinghi crew.
And finally, the last race between American Magic and the Defender gave the Defender the upper hand, without the American crew really worrying them.
Monday will be an off day. No rounds are scheduled. Tuesday will see the start of the second phase of the round robin, where the five challengers and the defender will each compete once again to determine who will be eliminated on Sunday before the Louis Vuitton Cup semi-final.
