Louis Vuitton Trophy-Auckland

With a light air forecast for today the two finalists, Team New Zealand and Mascalzone Latino were held at the dock for 2 hours hedging for a 1200 start.

Race PRO Peter Reggio moved the racecourse out to the Hauraki Gulf once again to try to get steadier conditions in these mild southwesterly’s.

Because of the delays, the Race Committee decided to shorten the series to a best of three. This was a bit of a tough pill for Mascalzone being down 1-0 after yesterday.

The race was finally started around 1210. Team NZ split to the right heading on port and Mascalzone at the pin end on starboard at the gun. The two drag raced to the right then both tacked simultaneously and drag raced out to the port layline. Nothing in it at the two came together overlapped at the first mark.

But just as they rounded in a left shifted breeze, Team New Zealand was ready to pounce on the shift and the Italians could not follow. The Kiwi’s got the jump that would last them the race.

There was a rather large crowd on the water in as many as 200 spectator craft but unfortunately as the decision had already been made to shorten the series, racing ended for the day at 1330. Most of the spectators were Kiwi fans so they were happy with the win.

Tonight is the gala dinner and prize giving at the Auckland Museum. Yves Carcelle, CEO of Louis Vuitton will be on hand to give out the prizes.

Next event for Artemis is Palma Vela in Mid April.

The author is heading to San Francisco for a few weeks at home.

Paul