Le Defi turns it around

Another unpredictable performance from the French team as the situation turns critical for GBR Challenge

Oracle BMW Racing USA-76 beat OneWorld USA-65)
DELTA 00:33. USA-76 lead 4-0

This was a display of superior speed and no mistakes by USA-76 and helmsman Peter Holmberg from beginning to end. The two yachts left the startline more or less even, but with USA-76 at full pace and powering away under the lee of OneWorld.

From the moment OneWorld helm James Spithill tacked away, USA-76 was in control and never relinquished it. The only danger came on the second downwind run when OneWorld brought down new breeze and reduced the gap from six boatlengths to two.

But, USA-76 answered back on the next windward leg, stretching back to a 44 second lead and protected their advantage to the finish. OneWorld’s skipper, Peter Gilmour, chose not to sail on board USA-65 today, so watched from a chase boat as his team went 4-0 down in the quarter final.