Good day for GBR

As Harrison's troops pick off the tricky Swedes

OneWorld, the Seattle based challenger for the 2003 America’s Cup, is at the top of the leaderboard with a record of 6-0 after defeating France’s Le Defi AREVaA . Today’s race conditions proved to be challenging, but the OneWorld team exercised their crisp crew work to defeat France’s Le Defi AREVA by a close margin.

OneWorld and Le Defi AREVA entered the start with a two minute dial-up with both boats sailing backwards, USA 65 pulled ahead and crossed the right side of the line just ahead of Le Defi AREVA. The shifty conditions on the race course proved to be tricky and the French picked the right wind shifts closing in several times on USA 67 on the upwind legs. On the final run FRA 69 came within two boatlengths of USA 67, OneWorld defending its lead, crossed the finish 21 seconds ahead of Le Defi AREVA.

Starting Line-Up: James Spithill, Helmsman; Mark Chisnell, Navigator; Ed Smyth, Runner; Ben Durham, Strategist; Charlie McKee, Tactician; Morgan Larson, Traveler; Jonathan McKee, Main Trimmer; Brian Ledbetter, Main Grinder; Tatsuya Wakinaga, Tail; Joe Newton, Trim; Andrew Taylor, Grinder; Craig Monk, Grinder; Jeremy Scantlebury, Pit; Mark Newbrook, Mast; Justin Clougher, Mid-Bow; Alan Smith, Bow. OneWorld Executive Director Bob Ratliffe occupied the “17th Man” seat today.