Costly damage

Puts an end to two matches during Louis Vuitton Cup

Two race day for Oracle

Racing today got underway early with hopes of getting two sets of racing in before the end of the day. Winds were more moderate than the two previous days with eighteen knots of breeze at the start. USA 67 entered the starting box on the favored starboard tack and following an aggressive dial-up USA 67 and USA 76 came off the line dead even with OneWorld claiming the favored left side of the course.

The pair of boats sailed on opposite tacks up the first beat, with OneWorld in the lead at the first crossing rounding the first windward mark with a twenty-two second lead. OneWorld extended their lead on the downwind run, and defended their position on the remaining legs crossing the finish line 40 seconds ahead of USA 76.

“At the end of the day, the crew did a great job and we made no major mistakes. I take my hat off to the whole team, the people on and off the water, who made it all work. Our entire sailing team pushed us in the pre-starts and over the last two years for that matter. These early wins belong to each member of the team, but there is a very long way to go and in the next round it is clearly going to get closer as each team has learned a lot facing the competitors,” commented helmsman, James Spithill.

“We are obviously pleased with the success in the first round robin among a crowded field of strong competitors. We dedicate these early wins to the health of the planet and her oceans. All of it seems very secondary to the weightier issues of the day and our hearts go out to those families who have suffered such a terrible loss in the tragedy in Bali,” said skipper, Peter Gilmour.

Starting Line-Up: Peter Gilmour, Skipper; James Spithill, Helmsman; Kevin Hall, Navigator; Richard Dodson, Runner; Ben Durham, Strategist; Charlie McKee, Tactician; Don Cowie, Main Trimmer; Brian Ledbetter, Main Grinder; Tatsuya Wakinaga, Tail; Kevin Shoebridge, Trim; Andrew Taylor, Grinder; Craig Monk, Grinder; Jeremy Scantlebury Pit; Matthew Mason, Mast; Don McCracken, Mid-Bow; Alan Smith, Bow. OneWorld CEO Gary Wright occupied the 17th man seat today.