Friday 6 February 2009

LVPS: BMW ORACLE Racing Prevails Against Luna Rossa Challenge


BMW ORACLE Racing leads Luna Rossa Challenge downwind. Image copyright Gilles Martin-Raget/BMW ORACLE Racing.

by Luna Rossa Challenge media

02/05/2009 - BMW Oracle Racing (USA) vs Luna Rossa Challenge (ITA)

Wind: N 20 knots – 2 metre wave from N.
Course: Windward - leeward of 1.4 miles (2 laps)

Luna Rossa Challenge on NZL 84, BMW Oracle Racing on NZL 92.

Start: Luna Rossa enters from the Committee Boat and fakes the dial-up with Oracle, gaining control of the start until thirty seconds from the gun, when Russell Coutts reverses the situation, gaining the favorite right side and starting ahead of Luna Rossa. After two attacks, Luna Rossa moves to the left side of the course while Oracle, on starboard with a favorable shift, rounds the windward mark with a 35s lead. On the downwind leg Luna Rossa closes the gap and both boats round the gate choosing the left mark, where Luna Rossa closes its gap to 26s. The Italian boat pursues her opponent on the right side of the course and is forced to tack in order to avoid Oracle’s dirty wind. Oracle keeps its control position but Luna Rossa can not resume contact. Oracle rounds the windward mark ahead of Luna Rossa holding the lead until the finishing line.

Luna Rossa Challenge

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