Coutts drops a race

The Swiss boat led around the race course by Peter Gilmour and OneWorld

OneWorld beats race favourites Alinghi

OneWorld, the Seattle based challenger for the 2003 America’s Cup, won race two of Round Robin 1 against Swiss challenger, Alinghi, in a very closely contested match. After two consecutive days of postponed races due to strong winds, this afternoon’s race began under clear skies with southerly winds of 15 knots.

Today’s race against the Swiss, with Russell Coutts at the helm of SUI 64, proved to be tough competition for the OneWorld team aboard USA 67. After a strong start by helmsman, James Spithill, USA 67 chose the favoured side of the course and gained the advantage on the first leg rounding the first windward mark 22 seconds ahead of SUI 64. The pair remained close through the six leg match with the OneWorld team maintaining the lead finishing 10 seconds ahead of Alinghi.

“It was what we expected out there today. Alinghi is a very tough competitor. We learned a lot and we came out on top, but it was just one day among many,” said Charlie McKee, tactician aboard OneWorld.

Round Robin 1/Race 2 Starting Line-Up: Peter Gilmour, Skipper; James Spithill, Helmsman; Kevin Hall, Navigator; Richard Dodson, Runner; Ben Durham, Runner/Grinder; Charlie McKee, Tactician; Don Cowie, Main Trimmer; Brian Ledbetter, Main Grinder; Tatsuya Wakinaga, Tail; Joe Newton, Trim; Andrew Taylor, Grinder; Craig Monk, Grinder; Jeremy Scantlebury, Pit; Matthew Mason, Mast; Don McCracken, Mid-Bow; Alan Smith, Bow. IBM Wireless Executive Dean Douglas occupied the “17th Man” seat today.