AMERICAONE CLAIMS SECOND VICTORY OF LOUIS VUITTON
AUCKLAND, New Zealand, February 1, 2000 – AmericaOne, the San Francisco-based St. Francis Yacht Club’s America’s Cup 2000 challenger, won its second race today against the Prada Challenge (ITA 45) by 34 seconds. Racing got underway as scheduled after a one day break to celebrate Auckland’s Anniversary Day.
Race 5 started in choppy seas and 15-21 knot winds as the teams continued their battle for the Louis Vuitton Cup.
Paul Cayard, at the helm of AmericaOne, had an aggressive start forcing Francesco de Angelis, at the helm of Luna Rossa, into a disadvantaged position, crossing the starting line ahead and to windward of Prada. After taking the favored right side of the course, AmericaOne extended its lead up the first leg and rounded the mark ahead of Luna Rossa. Despite Prada’s attempts to attack the lead, AmericaOne fended off their advances. The second downwind leg was the turning point in the race, when USA 61 threw a dummy gybe at ITA 45. The Italians were not lured in by the maneuver however, when USA 61 completed its next gybe the Italians were unprepared to follow and broached in 18 knots of wind, temporarily losing control of Luna Rossa. As ITA 45 tried to recover, USA 61 stretched its lead. AmericaOne controlled the remainder of the race on the final legs and crossed the finish ahead of Prada.
“Today was another solid performance by AmericaOne,” commented AmericaOne Skipper Paul Cayard.
“Race 5 was our first step on the road to catching Prada and surpassing them.”
Finals
During the Finals the challengers will race one race a day in a best-of-nine series. The first team to win five races will win the Louis Vuitton Cup. Racing is scheduled to begin at 1:15 PM local time on a full-length America’s Cup course, three laps totaling 18.55-nautical miles windward-leeward format.
Finals/Race 5 Starting Line-Up: Curtis Blewett of Los Angeles, CA, bow; Ralf Steitz of Port Washington, NY, mid-bow; Bill Bates of San Diego, CA, mast/sewer; Josh Belsky of Hood River, OR, pit; Jim Nicholas of San Diego, CA, grinder; Phil Trinter of Lorain, OH, grinder; Matt Welling of Bay Shore, NY, grinder; David McClintock of Portsmouth, RI, upwind trim; Carter Perrin of Houston, TX, downwind trim; Paul Cayard of Kentfield, CA, helmsman; John Kostecki of Fairfax, CA, tactician; Gavin Brady of Annapolis, MD, strategist; Terry Hutchinson of Annapolis, MD, mainsheet; Morgan Larson of Capitola, CA, traveler; Sean Clarkson of Middletown, RI, main assist and Lexi Gahagan of Wilmington, DE, navigator. The 17th crew person was Mr. Tom Seip of Orinda, CA.
Final Scores To Date:
Prada Challenge/ 3 points
AmericaOne / 2 points
