Alinghi through

OneWorld win both races to take a 4-1 scoreline against Prada

Race 4 - Alinghi beat Oracle BMW - Delta 00.48
Alinghi wins semi-finals over Oracle BMW Racing 4-0

This match was all but decided at the start gun, as Alinghi skipper Russell Coutts won the start handily and translated that early lead into a controlling position throughout the race.

Coutts sailed deep into the start box, and took advantage of a windshift to cross ahead of USA-76 helmsman Peter Holmberg, avoiding the dial-up. The boats circled a few times well below the start line, and as they headed back for the start on starboard tack, Holmberg established a leeward hook on Alinghi. As USA-76 luffed, Coutts responded casually, and both boats slowed head to wind.

Coutts eventually tacked, heading towards the Committee Boat, leaving Holmberg stalled, late for the line. As the gun sounded, Coutts had tacked back, at speed, to start well to windward and with good pace over Oracle BMW Racing. Skipper Chris Dickson took the helm on USA-76 at this point, but he couldn’t negate Alinghi’s lead and trailed around the top mark by 35-seconds. Dickson’s only real opportunity came near the bottom of the first leeward leg.

USA-76, sailing deep under spinnaker cut the corner on Coutts who had sailed past the layline, and Dickson made a nice gain. Early on the second beat Dickson engaged Coutts in a tacking duel, but Alinghi was the one who gained, and Coutts soon set up in a strong position to take advantage of a couple of good shifts, extending away, and sailing into the Louis Vuitton Cup Finals.