Then there were only four left. On the first match race day, the field was reduced to the semi-finalists in good winds, leaving "Artemis Racing", who had a bye yesterday as the top seed, and "Team Korea", who surprisingly won all three races on Friday. Against "Oracle Racing Spithill", however, a little bit of luck was also involved, as the Americans were caught out by the defect devil and almost capsized.
Nevertheless, Chris Draper and his colleagues from the Korean boat were the nail in the coffin for one of the two US boats for the second time. As match race newcomers, they took 4th place in Cascais and eliminated "Oracle Racing Coutts". "I have nothing against Oracle," grinned Draper, a former world champion in the 49er. "We are constantly trying to improve and the changed format gives us more opportunities. Our match racing experience is limited, but we have smart people on board."
One finalist has also already been decided. Dean Barker and his mates from "Team New Zealand" defeated "Oracle Racing Coutts" 2:1 in the first semi-final. In the other semi-final today, "Artemis" will sail against "Team Korea", the winner of which will then face the Kiwis in the final.
A mass visit is expected in Plymouth today, as the English spectators are firmly on the side of the Koreans. No wonder, because with helmsman Draper, bowman Matt Cornwell, trimmer Mark Bulkeley and floater Chris Brittle, four Brits are in the service of the team from the Far East. The programme includes the second semi-final (best-of-3) between "Artemis" and "Team Korea", followed by the small final for third place. The programme starts at 2 p.m. local time (3 p.m. CEST).
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