Friday, June 29, 2007

Disaster for the Emirates team






Video Recap of race 5 America's Cup Press to play

Alinghi, the Defender of the 32nd America’s Cup, beat Emirates Team New Zealand on Friday afternoon in perfect sea Breeze conditions to take a 3-2 lead in the 32nd America’s Cup Match.

But it wasn’t a straightforward win. The Swiss trailed over the starting line and around the first top mark as Emirates Team New Zealand showed aggression in the pre-start, forcing the SUI 100 helmsman Ed Baird to seek refuge in the spectator fleet.

The Kiwis converted that early advantage into a 12 second lead at the windward mark. But on the run, SUI 100 was coming up fast, just two lengths behind NZL 92. Then, a disaster for the Emirates squad, as their spinnaker burst. A replacement appeared to be ready, but when it was hoisted, it was clear it wasn’t rigged properly. It took a full three minutes to get the boat settled at full pace again, and by then, Alinghi had taken a lead it would never surrender.
Photos By ACM