After three days of weather-related postponements, the first two races of the quarter-final hopeful race were sailed last night. Light winds of around nine knots gave all teams a chance of winning.
Although the two favourites, Prada and OneWorld, were ahead in the end, they were by no means certain victories. Their opponents, Victory Challenge and Team Dennis Conner, were able to build up leads, but lost them again due to tactical errors.
In the match between Prada and Victory Challenge, the Swedes benefited from a right-hand turn shortly after the start and gained a controlling position over Prada. They defended this until shortly before the windward mark. However, as they approached the right-hand layline, the Swedes' timing for the last two tacks was not perfect, they were already too close to the layline and had to go through the wind twice in quick succession. At this point, Prada had drawn level downwind with more speed and also benefited from a slight right turn. The Italians were able to pinch up to the mark and round it just ahead of the Swedes. As the race progressed, the Italian boat simply pulled away from the Swedes.
In the second match, Team Dennis Conner seemed to be the clear winners for a long time. Although the team lost the start, they benefited from a right-hand turn and rounded 26 seconds ahead of their compatriots. Downwind, they extended their lead to over 200 metres at times and led by 55 seconds at the leeward leg. On the second cross, OneWorld closed the gap to 15 seconds thanks to good stroke selection and apparently better speed. On the second downwind leg, Team Dennis Conner released their opponents from their cover and they promptly benefited from a left-handed turn and, once in the lead, sailed away unstoppably.
The duel between Team Dennis Conner and Oneworld will now continue at the green table, as Team Dennis Conner has lodged a protest.
Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital
