Shifting south-easterly winds that changed to south-west and then back to south-east were another test of the afterguards' ability to position their yachts to the wind in the best possible way. These were not speed races.
In the first start, Prada immediately took the lead at the gun, as the Italians drove into the centre at speed, while the Swedes, who had previously been pushed off to the right by Prada, still had to make a turn right at the starting line and no longer had enough time to pick up speed.
The second start between OneWorld and Team Dennis Conner was almost identical. Team Dennis Conner had to make two tacks on the boat just before the shot, while OneWorld set off at full speed. OneWorld turned immediately after the start and managed to cross in front of Team Dennis Conner and take a controlling position. Proof of the superior start.
Both matches were also almost identical in the further course. Prada and OneWorld led by 43 and 42 seconds at the first mark, and by 12 seconds each after the downwind leg. After the second cross, the lead was 47 and 31 seconds respectively, and then 29 seconds for both downwind.
It was at this point that the races began to differ. Victory Challenge held on to Prada, while Team Dennis Conner fell behind OneWorld in a dying breeze and heavy spinning.
Prada and OneWorld both opened yesterday's hopeful round with wins and now lead 2-0, but with four wins needed to progress to the semi-finals and the Cup over for the losers, Victory Challenge and Team Dennis Conner can be expected to be extremely aggressive in the remaining matches.
Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital
