Louis Vuitton Cup Semi Finals-Day 3

Luna Rossa showed us how it is done today. Another great start by James Spithill gave Luna Rossa the right side of the course and a 29 second lead at the first mark. On the run, Luna Rossa covered like it is written in the text books. They spent some of their lead to gain insurance. Up the second windward leg, more of the same, covering every tack of BMW Oracle and stretching to a comfortable 230 meter lead at mark three. A cruise down the run and job done. This race was more satisfying to watch than the first race on Monday as Luna Rossa kept a tight grip on their lead, never letting Oracle have a glimpse of daylight, and never any hope of passing. Completely different tactics than yesterday.

So far, it has been all Luna Rossa. BMW hasn’t done a thing in this series. Luna Rossa has been in control of all three races, leading at every mark. They brought home two victories and gave one away yesterday. Was yesterday December 25th? Still, the message to BMW Oracle is clear. This Italian team is going to be tough to beat. Somehow, BMW Oracle is going to have to get off the starting line with at least an even start.

In the other match, a great start by the Spanish helmsman Karol Jablonski gave them the right on the first windward leg and the lead at the first mark that they never relinquished. Further, Jablonski put a penalty on Dean Barker at the start so in the end, the victory for the Spanish was by almost two minutes!

Obviously, with the boats being so close in performance, the start has become critical.

A nice steady sea breeze was the order of the day, about 12-13 knots. Perfect. These were the conditions that gave Valencia the nod when it came to choosing a venue for the Cup. The first four days of Round Robin one seem far away in the distance now.

Lay day tomorrow, then back in action on Friday with race four. Standby.