America's Cup

Related PDF documents

- Amicus curiae filed by the William I. Koch

The “American barrage” of amicus briefs, filed in support of GGYC’s position, continues unabated. After the New York Yacht Club and the San Diego Yacht Club it was Bill Koch’s turn to file one, right on the first day of the year.

The arguments Koch’s lawyers use in order to discredit the CNEV are practically the same to the ones in the other two briefs, but Koch gives much more emphasis on the financial part of the America’s Cup. He argues that a one-sided event with all the cards stacked against the challengers will considerably diminish public interest, creating a vicious circle. The less public interest there is, the less sponsorship money will be available for challengers, making it even harder to mount a serious campaign. As a result, according to Koch, “the world’s oldest and prestigious international trophy sport will die”.

Bill Koch won the 1992 America’s Cup with America3after defeating “Il Moro di Venezia” four to one. He was inducted into the America’s Cup Hall of Fame in 1993.

According to Wikipedia, William Ingraham Koch is the son of Fred C. Koch, founder of Koch Industries, a business empire based on oil refining that became the largest privately owned company in America. Bill worked in the company but eventually sold his share to his brothers, Charles and David, after a long legal battle.

Original post by noreply@blogger.com (Valencia Sailing) and software by Elliott Back

Related PDF documents

- Amicus curiae filed by the New York Yacht Club

[Source: New York Yacht Club] The NYYC has been working for more than a year through its America’s Cup Committee, chaired by George Carmany, to help settle a dispute involving participants in the 33rd America’s Cup, specifically the Golden Gate Yacht Club, the Société Nautique de Genève and the Club Nautico Espanol de Vela. Despite our best efforts, we have been unsuccessful in this regard. Feeling an ongoing responsibility to the donor (NYYC-member George Schuyler) as well as the traditions and history of the America’s Cup – and the traditions and history of this club — we believe it is time in the legal process to make our voice heard.

The America’s Cup Committee has voted to present an amicus-curiae (friend of the court) brief to the Court of Appeals State of New York that is considering the matter. As Commodore I agree with this course of action and have discussed it with all former Commodores, the Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees who likewise have approved this approach. Thus a brief, written by Vincent Monte-Sano, the general counsel of the NYYC and member of its America’s Cup Committee, will be filed before the end of this year.

The NYYC has no personal interest or stake in the outcome of the litigation. Our interest stems solely from the long involvement with the America’s Cup and a desire to have the competition remain faithful to the Deed of Gift, as drafted by George Schulyer, and for the Cup Match and the Challenger-Selection Series to be a fair and even-handed competition.

NYYC’s Views

The Club Nautico Espanol de Vela (CNEV) was in essence the Real Federación Española de Vela (RFEV), the Spanish national yachting federation, in the 2007 America’s Cup in Valencia, Spain. The NYYC believes that CNEV does not satisfy either of the criteria set forth in the Deed of Gift for yacht clubs that may challenge for the America’s Cup; namely that: CNEV is not an “organized Yacht Club” and CNEV does not satisfy the requirement in the Deed of Gift of a challenging yacht club’s “having for its annual regatta an ocean water course on the sea, or an arm of the sea …”

Further, CNEV seeks to be the “challenger of record,” a special role that requires that the yacht club in question negotiates not just for itself, but rather on behalf of all of the challenging yacht clubs. The NYYC asserts that the “challenger of record” must satisfy the letter and the intent of the criteria set forth in the America’s Cup Deed of Gift and should be totally independent in its representation of the interests of all other challenging yacht clubs in negotiating a Protocol that will govern both the America’s Cup Match and the Challenger-Elimination Series. It is the NYYC’s opinion that CNEV does not fulfill these conditions.

While it would have been very easy for the NYYC to avoid getting involved in this legal controversy, we feel an obligation to the history and traditions of the America’s Cup. Thus we are speaking out at this time.

Original post by noreply@blogger.com (Valencia Sailing) and software by Elliott Back

There has been a breaking news concerning a major development to take place today that might signal the end of the long battle that is putting a break on the America’s Cup.

According to very reliable information we have received, there is a designer meeting to take place later this afternoon in Valencia where Alinghi will let the other 5 challengers (Desafío Español, United Internet Team Germany, Shosholoza, Emirates Team New Zealand and Team Origin) decide upon a key parameter of the design of the new class. The meeting is organized by the Challenger of Record, Desafío Español, and from what we understand, BMW Oracle and Mascalzone Latino have also been invited to attend as simple observers.

We got in contact with America’s Cup Management (ACM), in order to verify whether Alinghi has made such a proposal. First of all, Michel Hodara, CEO of ACM, denied there was any kind of agreement between them and BMW Oracle as was speculated lately. On the other hand, he added, Alinghi has made a concrete offer to show they haven’t advanced in the design of the new boat and try to lift the last point of resistance of BMW Oracle. It will be up to the 5 challengers to decide that key parameter and BMW Oracle will also have the right to access to that information.

We also contacted to Jason Ker, designer of United Internet Team Germany, in order to know whether this parameter is important and verify to what extent Alinghi are willing to give any advantage (if they have any) away. According to Ker, this parameter is “fundamental” for the design of the new boat. If a team is at an early stage in its design process any modification in that parameter doesn’t make all that difference. On the other hand, if a team has advanced to the extent Alinghi was alleged or supposed to have advanced, then they would have to start all over again.

According to Ker, this shows that Alinghi hasn’t advanced in the design of their new boat and even if they had they are prepared to give it away.

The ball is now in BMW Oracle’s court. All we have to see now is whether this will convince the Americans that the defender has little, if any, headstart over the rest of the current and potential challengers. It appears that was the major fear of the team headed by Russell Coutts.

PS: It seems that our Spanish colleague Pedro Sardina had some of his information correct last week. Today is October 10th and an extremely decisive meeting, that might lead to a deal, is to take place.

Original post by Valencia Sailing and software by Elliott Back

We couldn’t have asked for a better race to drop the curtain of the 32nd America’s Cup in Valencia. Alinghi won by just 1 second after a nail biting, roller-coaster race where the lead changed a handful of times and wind speed dropped from 15 to 2 knots a couple of hundred of meters from the finish line.

When the gun was fired at 3pm, weather conditions where excellent. It was a sunny, bright and the sea breeze was constant and strong at 15 knots. Once again, the prestart was intense but without any incidents. In fact during the 7 races of the 32nd America’s Cup Match, no penalties were given during the prestarts. Both boats hit the starting line at full speed on starboard tack, Emirates Team Nz on the left and Alinghi on the right.

In a replay of the previous first legs, Alinghi was the first to tack right. The two teams engaged in a tacking duel up the first beat with the New Zealanders always having a small lead. Nevertheless, Alinghi successfully defended the right side and NZL-92 never built the necessary advantage to cross ahead of SUI-100. At the apporach to the top mark, Alinghi pushed Emirates Team NZ over the left layline and rounded 7 seconds ahead of them.

In the first run the tables were turned. Alinghi’s crew work was poor and after a couple of very bad gybes, the New Zealanders took the opportunity to pass them. As the two boats were approaching the leeward gate with NZL-92 ahead, history was repeated again. Terry Hutchinson, the New Zealand tactician, again decided to round the left gate while Alinghi went for the right.

The kiwis still rounded the gate 14 seconds ahead of the Swiss but they started the second beat in a tactically-compromised position. Both boats headed to the right side of the course, but again Alinghi had the right advantage. Once again, Emirates Team NZ were unable to gain a lead big enough to cross in front of Alinghi and in the ensuing tacking duel up the beat, the Swiss were closely behind. Adding insult to injury, near the top mark the kiwis took a decision that cost them the race. They went beyond the left layline. While tacking back, Ed Baird had strategically placed SUI-100 to force the kiwis into a port-starboard incident and get them penalized.

It seemed the race was over and Alinghi rounded the top mark ahead of the kiwis and with the advantage of the penalty. During the last leg the press releases talking of Alinghi’s victory were getting ready until the winds decided, momentarily, it wouldn’t be that easy.

A few hundred meters before the finish line, wind dropped from 11 knots to 2-3 and changed in direction about 120 degrees. Emirates Team NZ were first to drop the spinnaker and hoist their genoa, but Alinghi was caught by surprised. The huge wind shift broke their spinnaker pole and brought their boat to standstill. By the time they dropped the spinnaker and hoisted the genoa, NZL-92 not only had advanced and erased the Swiss advantage, they had gained enough lead to carry out their penalty and still be ahead.

As a result, a few meters before the finish line, the kiwis were ahead and looked as if they were going to steal a last-second victory. Nevertheless, the winds switched back to Alinghi’s favor. After circling, NZL-92 stalled while SUI-100 had already picked up enough speed. The last seconds were a real thriller. Alinghi was faster and crossed a split second ahead!!!! Without any doubt this was the best race I watched in Valencia since the beginning of the America’s Cup.

Emirates Team NZ and Alinghi in the prestart of the last race of the 32nd America’s Cup. Valencia, 3 July 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Emirates Team NZ and Alinghi in the prestart of the last race of the 32nd America’s Cup. Valencia, 3 July 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Emirates Team NZ and Alinghi in the prestart of the last race of the 32nd America’s Cup. The prestart was close but without any incidents. Valencia, 3 July 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Both boats hit the starting line at full speed at the same time. Valencia, 3 July 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The first stretch of the first leg was a repeat of previous ones. Both boats on starboard tack head toward the left layline. Valencia, 3 July 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

One of the many tacks during the first leg. Emirates Team NZ never built a lead big enough to cross in front of Alinghi. Valencia, 3 July 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

One of Alinghi’s poorly executed gybes in the first run that gave Emirates Team NZ the opportunity to pass ahead. Valencia, 3 July 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

At the approach to the leeward gate Emirates Team NZ were leading the race. Valencia, 3 July 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Emirates Team NZ go left at the leeward gate and Alinghi right. Valencia, 3 July 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Again one of the many tacks of the second beat. Emirates Team NZ were again unable to cross in front of Alinghi. Valencia, 3 July 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Halfway down the last leg Emirates Team NZ were able to shrink most of Alinghi’s lead, but still had the penalty to offload. Valencia, 3 July 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

It ain’t over till it’s over. While everybody was preparing for Alinghi’s victory, the Swiss got caught by the huge wind shift and the edge of their spinnaker pole broke. Valencia, 3 July 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi are struggling to hoist the genoa… Valencia, 3 July 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

but when Alinghi finally managed to sort out the problems with the genoa and spinnaker… Valencia, 3 July 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Kiwi adrenaline was pumping hard as NZL-92 had picked up speed. Valencia, 3 July 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Emirates Team NZ successfully offloaded their penalty under the watchful eyes of the umpires… Valencia, 3 July 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

… and it appeared they were going to cross the finish line ahead of Alinghi… Valencia, 3 July 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

… but the wind changed its mind once again and a small puff pushed Alinghi ahead. They crossed the finish line a mere second ahead of the kiwis. Valencia, 3 July 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Original post by Valencia Sailing and software by Elliott Back

Valencia Sailing would like to congratulate Emirates Team NZ for the great sailing performance they have offered us during the 32nd America’s Cup and especially the last two months in the Louis Vuitton Cup and the America’s Cup Match. Go Kiwis!!

So close and yet so far… NZL-92 stalls while SUI-100 gets some air and crosses the finish line a mere second ahead of them, successfully defending the America’s Cup. Valencia, 3 July 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Original post by Valencia Sailing and software by Elliott Back

Alinghi successfully defended the America’s Cup in Valencia after winning what was probably the closest and most exciting race ever. Due to the delays caused by the prize giving ceremony, our full race report will be online later this evening. In the meantime, here are some photos from the ceremony and Alinghi’s celebrations.

The most desired trophy in sailing was waiting for Alinghi. Valencia, 3 July 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis/ Valencia Sailing

Ernesto Bertarelli, head of Alinghi, enters the stage held by the jubilant sail crew. Valencia, 3 July 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis/ Valencia Sailing

Brad Butterworth, Alinghi’s skipper, makes sure everybody knows who won this edition of the America’s Cup. Valencia, 3 July 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis/ Valencia Sailing

Ernesto Bertarelli, head of Alinghi, holds the America’s Cup trophy after successfully defending the 32nd edition. Valencia, 3 July 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis/ Valencia Sailing

Brad Butterworth holds his 4th America’s Cup. Valencia, 3 July 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis/ Valencia Sailing

… and of course, the obligatory champagne battles. Valencia, 3 July 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis/ Valencia Sailing

Original post by Valencia Sailing and software by Elliott Back

Good morning from sunny and warm Valencia. We are at match point again and Alinghi is one race away from defending the 32nd America’s Cup, although one should never count Emirate Team NZ out, we certainly don’t. According to the weather forecasts we will enjoy a beautiful summer day with good sea breeze building up to 14 knots. Both the Alinghi and ACM forecasts coincide in the fact wind direction will change during the day so it might turn out to be a day for tacticians.

Once again, the interest of the press here in Valencia seems to be focused on the future rather than the present. As we wrote, it appears to be certain the a Spanish team will be the Challenger of Record, if Alinghi win of course. Undoubtedly, all cameras will be focused on “Vava”, Ernesto Bertarelli’s private yacht. If today again representatives from the current Desafío Español appear on the yacht’s deck then it would be certain it is a done deal.

In any case, whatever happens today and if the winds allow it, the 32nd America’s Cup will be over on Thursday, one way or the other. There will be no reserve days and races will take place every day.

Weather forecast by the America’s Cup organizers
High pressure to northeast east of Valencia and unstable conditions inland maintain good sea breeze prospects, albeit slightly lighter than originally forecast. Sea breeze starts south southeasterly 10-12 knots early in the afternoon then builds to 12-14 knots and backs to southeast. Broken high cloud and hotter – Temperature 32 degrees

Alinghi’s public weather forecast
South-southeasterly 10-12 knots increasing at 14:00 to 14-16 knots and shifting south-easterly before returning to south-southeasterly in late afternoon. T. max 30°

Original post by Valencia Sailing and software by Elliott Back

Racing was cancelled on Sunday after spending more than an hour waiting for conditions to stabilize and the breeze to pick up. The race committee sent everybody back home at 4:10pm and we will now have to wait till Tuesday to see whether Emirates Team NZ can come back or if Alinghi successfully defends the 32nd America’s Cup.

The dreaded front and clouds that appeared over central Spain on the satellite image earlier this morning, arrived much earlier than expected and by noon the Valencia skies were already covered and any hope of sea breeze was promptly dissipated. Wind speed was a mere 5-6 knots at 3pm and direction was shifting widely in a 30-degree range. Throughout the race course, both speed and direction failed to stabilize.

Tomorrow Monday is day off and as a result racing will resume on Tuesday.

Original post by Valencia Sailing and software by Elliott Back

Good morning from sunny Valencia. It is another warm, bright, summer day but it could also turn out to be the last time that Valencia Sailing reports on the 32nd America’s Cup, at least as far as racing is concerned. Alinghi are at their first match point and by tonight they can very well be the winners of the oldest sporting trophy for the second time in a row.

Obviously, we shouldn’t count the kiwis out and we can be sure they will fight as hard as they can, we might even see an incredibly spectacular prestart with Dean Barker. According to Alinghi’s mainsail trimmer, Warwick Fleury, “it’s match point so we will try to finish it off today and if not, we have still got another two shots at it. The racing is very, very close. None of them have been easy and we are expecting more of the same today. It will be business as usual but we will certainly be trying for it.”

ClearPoint weather overview
The ClearPoint weather forecast this morning is again pessimistic. It only predicts 6 knots at 3pm.

ClearPoint satellite overview of the Iberian peninsula at 9am Valencia Time. It’s another bright, sunny, summer day but cloud cover will increase during the day.

ClearPoint wind forecast for 3pm in Valencia at 1km resolution, calculated at 9am Valencia Time. The model is currently predicting around 6 knots, direction 120 degrees

Weather forecast by the America’s Cup organizers
A developing low pressure to the west of Valencia sees a return to light southerly gradient winds, but substantial high cloud cover limits the development of sea breezes. Wind starts 5-7 knots east southeast, then builds and gradually to a peak of 9-11 knots by late afternoon and veers to southeast. Substantial high cloud cover – Temperature 29 degrees.

Alinghi’s public weather forecast
Sea breeze conditions east-south easterly 8-10 knots possibly up to 12, decreasing early afternoon. Partly cloudy from 15:00 T. max 29°

Original post by Valencia Sailing and software by Elliott Back

Earlier this afternoon, Alinghi scored their third consecutive win and what could be the Match’s most decisive one. They are now just one step from retaining the Auld Mug. The race was held in lighter conditions than Friday (starting at 10 knots and falling to and two shifts decided the outcome.

The race started once again right on time with wind speed 10 knots and direction 115 degrees (our forecast was on spot as far as the direction was concerned but on the lighter side on speed). The prestart was aggressive but without any incidents and both boats hit the starting line at full speed. Emirates Team NZ was on the left and Alinghi on the right, both on starboard tack.

Similar to the previous races, they initially engaged in a long straight line towards the left-hand layline with Alinghi holding a small lead. The Swiss were also the first to tack to the right while the New Zealanders kept on for a couple of minutes. It turned out to be a decisive move and a small left shift pushed them forward. When they tacked as well, they were ahead and with the continued shift on the left, they rounded the top mark 14 seconds in advance.

The first run was a two sided story. Initially, Emirates Team NZ managed to stay in front of their opponent and even led by more than 100 meters at some stages. Still, Alinghi were able to close in on them and in the last stretch got very close. While the two boats were approaching the leeward gate,the kiwis took the decision to head for the left gate while Ed Baird steered SUI-100 to the right and rounded the gate a mere 11 seconds behind Dean Barker.

In hindsight, the wrong tactical choice at the leeward gate was the beginning of the end for Emirates Team NZ. Alinghi headed to the right side of the course and the New Zealanders to the left. They soon tacked to the right and the two boats started a tacking duel approximately halfway up the beat. Alinghi had benefited from a 15-degree right shift and after the third tack they were ahead of Emirates Team NZ. They led till the top mark and they rounded it 16 seconds ahead.

Having turned the situation around to the their advantage, Alinghi stayed in control of the game during the last leg and despite the 9 gybes thrown by their opponents they crossed the finish line 28 seconds in advance.

Alinghi in the prestart procedure of the 6th race of the 32nd America’s Cup. Valencia, 30 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi raise the Y-flag as Emirates Team NZ gybe in front of their bow. Valencia, 30 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

With 5 seconds to go before the gun is fired both boats were sailing at full speed towards the starting line. Valencia, 30 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The start was completely even. Valencia, 30 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Once again, the first stretch of the race consisted of a straight line towards the left layline. Valencia, 30 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Emirates Team NZ called correctly the first shift of the day (to the left) and were ahead at the final stretch of the first leg. Valencia, 30 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The final stretch of the first run was very close. Valencia, 30 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

At the approach of the leeward gate, Emirates Team NZ were in the lead. Valencia, 30 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The race’s most decisive tactical decision. Alinghi go on the right while Emirates Team NZ decide to go left. Valencia, 30 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The race’s most decisive tactical decision. Alinghi go on the right while Emirates Team NZ decide to go left. Valencia, 30 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Undoubtedly, the race’s turning point. Alinghi take the lead at the 4th tack of the 2nd beat. Valencia, 30 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi maintained their lead in the last leg. Valencia, 30 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

SUI-100 crosses the finish line and Alinghi are now one win away from their second America’s Cup. Valencia, 30 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Original post by Valencia Sailing and software by Elliott Back

Good morning from sunny and warm Valencia. It seems we are going to have another nice summer day and racing off the city’s coast should be at least as exciting as yesterday, even if the general feeling among meteorologists is that the breeze will be lighter than Friday.

The 32nd America’s Cup Match is becoming more interesting and absorbing as each day passes and all pundits and presumably knowledgeable experts that were predicting a clean sweep by either team should be more careful next time.

In any case, today’s race is certainly an inflection point in the Match and will seriously tip the balance towards one side or the other. Emirates Team NZ must absolutely win this race or risk seeing Alinghi be a step before winning the world’s oldest sports trophy for a second time. Still, neither of the teams should be extremely satisfied with their performance so far. Alinghi doesn’t have the irrefutable edge on boat speed as many had been speculating while Emirates Team NZ has had gear failures and crew errors that at this level of competition are unforgivable.

ClearPoint weather overview
The ClearPoint weather forecast this morning is not very optimistic. The model (calculated at 9am) predicts around 7 knots from the south east, direction 120 degrees. This is always the forecast for the winds at 3pm in the approximate area of the starting line. It seems the south race area is favored today, but obviously since the Louis Vuitton Cup semifinals, racing takes place only in the north area!!

ClearPoint satellite overview of the Iberian peninsula at 9am Valencia Time. It’s another bright, sunny, summer day.

ClearPoint wind forecast for 3pm in Valencia at 1km resolution, calculated at 9am Valencia Time. The model is currently predicting around 7 knots, direction 120 degrees

Weather forecast by the America’s Cup organizers
Gradient wind continues from the south with good conditions locally for sea breeze development. Similar sea breeze conditions, albeit slightly lighter. Winds start 7-9 knots south southeasterly, building to 10-12 knots and backing to southeast during the race. Some high cloud cover – Temperature 29 degrees

Alinghi’s public weather forecast
Sea breeze conditions, ESE starting from 8-10 knots and increasing to 12-14 knots. Maximum temperature 29°

Original post by Valencia Sailing and software by Elliott Back

One of the disadvantages of being aboard the media boat is my inability to be close to the action at the weather mark. Fortunately for Valencia Sailing, most of the close action and incidents so far since April took place at or close to the leeward gate.

Friday’s strong breeze created very exciting moments that were also captured by the lens of renowned Italian photographer Max Ranchi.

Race 5 of the 32nd America’s Cup Match. Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Max Ranchi

Race 5 of the 32nd America’s Cup Match. Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Max Ranchi

Race 5 of the 32nd America’s Cup Match. Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Max Ranchi

Race 5 of the 32nd America’s Cup Match. Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Max Ranchi

Race 5 of the 32nd America’s Cup Match. Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Max Ranchi

Original post by Valencia Sailing and software by Elliott Back

What a day!! If the 3rd race of this America’s Cup Match was probably the most spectacular one ever in the history of the event, today we probably witnessed the second best. We had all we could have asked for; excellent weather (wind speed from 14 up to even 20 knots), an aggressive prestart, close racing, incidents and breakages (lots of them) as well as changes in the lead.

This Friday, the promised Valencian wind conditions made their grand appearance off the Malvarosa coast. As we had said in our morning preview, we had a double whammy, the sea breeze joining forces with a southeasterly gradient wind. When the race committee sounded the preparatory signal, wind speed was 14 knots and direction 125 degrees (right on spot with our forecast).

Since the breeze was significantly steady and shifts were very small, the two teams were not looking for a particular side on the starting line. Instead they focused on getting in front at full speed and as a result the prestart procedure was much more aggressive, particularly the one carried out by Dean Barker. Four minutes before the start, he pushed Ed Baird towards the spectator fleet and after rounding the media boat, NZL-92 came out in a dominating position. They powered ahead to the starting line at full speed while Alinghi had to tack in front of the committee boat, starting 5 seconds late.

A long drag race to the right layline took place and although everyone was expecting Alinghi’s SUI-100 to be storming on all cylinders, NZL-92 was pushed by a small left shift. When the two boats went beyond the layline, the New Zealanders tacked left gaining control of the race. They rounded the top mark a mere 12 seconds ahead of the Swiss and the first run had all the ingredients of a tight race. Unfortunately, a series of spinnaker incidents aboard NZL-92 put an end to that excitement (read here our separate report and photos). After two blown spinnakers and a third “hourglass” hoist by Emirates Team NZ, Alinghi had built an advantage of more than 150m.

With such a gap it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to recover, unless of course there is a breakage on your opponent’s boat. This was not to be the case with Alinghi who sailed applying a loose but effective cover. The New Zealanders managed to significantly reduce Alinghi’s lead but ultimately the Defender crossed the finish line 19 seconds in advance.

Four minutes before the start, the chasing game begins. Emirates Team NZ is pushing Alinghi towards the spectator fleet. Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Emirates Team NZ is pushing Alinghi towards the spectator fleet. Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Emirates Team NZ is pushing Alinghi towards the spectator fleet. Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Emirates Team NZ is pushing Alinghi towards the spectator fleet. Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Emirates Team NZ in the prestart of the race. Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Emirates Team NZ and Alinghi in the prestart of the race, after rounding part of the spectator fleet. Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Five seconds after the start gun had fired, Emirates Team NZ were sailing at full speed towards the left while Alinghi was off slowly towards the right. Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Emirates Team NZ tack shortly after the start and the two boats start a long drag race till the right layline. Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The two boats go beyond the right layline and Emirates Team NZ tack first, ahead of Alinghi. At that moment everybody thought the race was over. Little did we know!! Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Check here the photo sequence of the spinnaker incident at the beginning of the first run

Alinghi rounded the right leeward gate. Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi rounded the right leeward gate. Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi rounded the leeward gate 26 seconds ahead of Emirates Team NZ. Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi had a comfortable lead at the first cross of the second beat. Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

In the final stretch of the race Emirates Team NZ had significantly reduced Alinghi’s lead. Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Alinghi cross the finish line and score an extremely important victory. Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Original post by Valencia Sailing and software by Elliott Back

The deciding factor in the fifth race of the 32nd America’s Cup Match was the unfortunate incident aboard NZL-92 down the first run. While leading the tight race, Emirates Team NZ blew two spinnakers and by the time they had successfully hoisted the third one, Alinghi had built a lead of over 150 meters. Despite the gains in the succeeding legs, the New Zealanders were unable to come back from behind. Alinghi crossed the finish line 19 seconds ahead of them and won a decisive race. The Defender now leads the Match, 3 to 2.

Here is the full sequence of the incident. Due to the large amount of photos our full report from this very exciting race will be published later in the evening.

At the beginning of the first run, the Emirates Team NZ crew had observed a very small tear on the spinnaker and were about to peel and hoist a new one. Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Unfortunately, right when they were about to start the procedure, the spinnaker broke. Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

They are hoisting the second spinnaker while dropping the broken first one. Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The first broken spinnaker is almost dropped but the second one is not hoisted yet. Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

As Grant Dalton said, there was a chaos made out of sailors and spinnakers aboard NZL-92. Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Adding insult to injury, the second spinnaker blew as well. Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The second broken spinnaker was blowing and cost Emirates Team NZ precious time. Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

They started hoisting the third spinnaker while the second one was blowing. Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

And as if they didn’t have enough problems, spinnaker number 3 was twisting. Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Finally the third spinnaker was full but the second was still attached. Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

A whole 5 minutes after the first blow, NZL-92 is finally back to her normal sailing status. Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Ironically, one hour before the start of the race Emirates Team NZ were practicing spinnaker drops with their two boats. Valencia, 29 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Original post by Valencia Sailing and software by Elliott Back

Good morning from sunny Valencia. It seems summer is back and we can enjoy a nice sea breeze day. In addition, we might even have a double whammy, since the easterly sea breeze will be combined with a southerly gradient wind. If this holds true and we do get the expected 14 knots at 3pm, the consensus here in Valencia calls for an “Alignhi” day. That means under these stronger and stabler conditions, SUI-100, the Defender’s all new racing yacht is bound to better perform than NZL-92, her kiwi opponent.

As we wrote yesterday, the America’s Cup Match is back to normal after the Jury dismissed the protest from Emirates Team NZ (scroll down to read the details of the story). The Jury still hasn’t made public the details of its decision and as a result we obviously can’t comment any further. Still, one can only wonder how the measurer aboard SUI-100 allowed an Alinghi crew member to climb on top the mast. Even if all was carried out according to the rules, and according to the Jury that was the case, it is obvious his decision would open the door to all kinds of doubts!!!

In any case, this America’s Cup Match is already in the history books as the closest one ever. We hope it keeps its excitement in the following races and look forward to seeing the strongest team win on the race course and not the Jury room.

These journalists and photographers are not waiting for Michael Douglas to come out of his hotel in Valencia. They were standing in front of the ACM offices at 3pm yesterday, waiting for the announcement of the jury decision. Photo courtesy of the BMW Oracle Blog

ClearPoint weather overview
The ClearPoint weather forecast this morning predicts around 13.5 knots from the south east, direction 130 degrees. This is always the forecast for the winds at 3pm in the approximate area of the starting line.

ClearPoint satellite overview of the Iberian peninsula at 9am Valencia Time. It’s a bright, sunny, summer day.

ClearPoint wind forecast for 3pm in Valencia at 1km resolution, calculated at 9am Valencia Time. The model is currently predicting around 13.5 knots, direction 130 degrees

Weather forecast by the America’s Cup organizers
Weak low pressure remains over central Spain, producing light southerly gradient breeze. Sea breeze develops through afternoon, starting southeast 9-12 knots and building 14-18 knots towards the end of the race. Mainly clear skies – Temperature 29 degrees

Alinghi’s public weather forecast
South-easterly sea breeze 12-14 Knots, T max 28°

Original post by Valencia Sailing and software by Elliott Back

The America’s Cup Match returns back to normality. The protest filed by Emirates Team NZ yesterday evening was dismissed by the Jury and as a result, Alinghi will not get any penalty and the series remains tied at 2-2.

Just like most of the protests in the America’s Cup, it is based on a small technicality that the general public will not understand, in this case a detail concerning the way the mainsail must be dropped.

Briefly, Rule 31.6 of the America’s Cup Class Rule states that “mainsails shall be able to be lowered to the deck without the necessity of a crew member going aloft”. After the end of yesterday’s race, one measurer went aboard each yacht and asked the teams to lower their mainsail without any crew member going aloft. Emirates Team NZ apparently did so without any sailor climbing on the mast but Alinghi had Pieter van Nieuwenhuyzen up the rig. According to Alinghi, he was there to attach a halyard to prevent the sail from crashing down onto the deck when the halyard lock was released by a trip cord operated at deck level.

Emirates Team NZ protested that Alinghi broke the America’s Cup class rule but the jury dismissed the protest.

Original post by Valencia Sailing and software by Elliott Back