America's Cup: "Captain Hook" strikes back

Oracle skipper James Spithill has many interesting nicknames. The furious sailor has also been called "Spitfire". But the latest favourite is "Captain Hook". The 34-year-old Australian had already earned this title before the America's Cup with his aggressive match racing style. But in the 34th duel for the America's Cup, he once again lives up to it because he celebrates the so-called "hook" so skilfully in the pre-start phases of the duels with challenger Team New Zealand.

In collaboration with his tactician Ben Ainslie, Spithill skilfully places his boat at the stern of his opponent and then creates an overlap upwind at lightning speed at the desired moment. This enables him to force his rivals with the right of way to take evasive action or even a tack, which costs Emirates Team New Zealand time and momentum. This is what happened again on the ninth race day in the twelfth race. Partly because the New Zealanders had moved a little too early towards the start line and made themselves vulnerable there. As a result, the challengers had an easy game with them and raced across the start line with a lead of more than a boat length, while Team New Zealand's helmsman Dean Barker was still struggling for speed for his boat after his involuntary tack.

Although the New Zealanders were even able to take the lead for a short time during the race, Larry Ellison's focussed racing team was unbeatable on the day. Spithill and his crew did not allow themselves any mistakes in their race to catch up in the duel for the ornate silver jug. "They are getting better and better," even Team New Zealand's 56-year-old manager Grant Dalton paid tribute to his opponents. Dalton himself was back on board as a grinder on Thursday. "But we've also made some improvements."

The 13th race was due to start after race 12. But once again the wind was blowing too hard. The live commentator called the clock on which the postponement of the race to Friday was finally displayed "the most unfriendly clock in America".

With the score at 8:2 in favour of Emirates Team New Zealand, the 34th America's Cup duel will continue on Friday. Defender Oracle Team USA may have fended off the Kiwis' first match point, but they still have seven more match points to play for. The Americans have to win just as many times in a row to defend the most important trophy in international sailing.