Update from Valencia

A Big day for Desafio. A tough day for Mascalzone Latino.

Desafio came from behind in both of their matches today to take critical wins off of Shosholosa and Mascalzone. Both races we won in exactly the same way. Desafio, just two boat lengths behind on the first run of both races, waited patiently for the lead both to gybe, then they pounced, gybing symultaneously, with better execution and then took the wind of each and made the pass. Then with excellent speed the built up leads of 200 meters by the finish line.

Both wins were important steps for Desafio in their quest to make the semi finals. The race against Mascalzone was a resail due to an infrindgment by the Italians when the race was originally run on wedensday. Unfortunately for the Italians, they had won the match on Wednesday then had the race anulled. This loss just about mathematically eliminated Mascalzone from the competition for the fourth spot.

Victory Challenge of Sweden and Desafio are the two teams really fighting for fourth.

It was a great day for sailing on the water off Valencia, sun, 15 knots and smooth seas. The local crowd set off fireworks when Desafio crossed the line for her second win of the day. The local team is making good.

The big three, BMW Oracle, Luna Rossa, and Team New Zealand all won their races today. Apart from the battle between Desafio and Victory for fourth, the next big battle could be in the last flight between TNZ and BMW Oracle. The winner of that race will most likely be the winner of the round robins and have the right to pick their adversary in the semi finals. We will have to wait until Wednesday for that one.