Switzerland's Alinghi campaign for the America's Cup is one win away from advancing to the semifinals of the challenger series.
Alinghi today beat Italy's Prada by eight-seconds in the third race of their quarterfinal series. The narrow margin was exactly the same as in the second race, held yesterday.
But, despite the close finishes between two very strong European teams, Alinghi has dominated the battle.
In today's match, Alinghi SUI-64 and skipper Russell Coutts, continued to show a speed edge upwind and gained early control of the race.
Italian skipper Francesco de Angelis kept it close, however, and the crew of Luna Rossa ITA-74 was ready to pounce on any mistake.
At the second leeward mark, Alinghi's foredeck crew allowed their spinnaker to go under the bow. Alinghi led around the mark, but Prada rounded close behind and tacked away immediately.
Alinghi's housekeeping problems prevented them from tacking to cover and Prada gained the right hand advantage and took the lead.
Alinghi's upwind strength and a left-hand windshift saw them power back into the lead just before the windward mark rounding.
Despite Prada's determined efforts, the Swiss held on to the lead down the run and took the gun again.
Winds: SW 13-18k
Winning margin: 00.08
Alinghi leads the best-of-seven series 3-0.
nzherald.co.nz/americascup
Racing schedule, results and standings
Alinghi repeats narrow win over Prada
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