KEY POINTS:
They told us it was going to be close but eight seconds!
Team New Zealand went one up on Luna Rossa today in the race one of the Louis Vuitton Cup in Valencia.
The Kiwis played a low risk, tough game. They got the little jump they needed, they capitalised on that and then from there on in they seemed to be hell bent on not letting Luna Rossa go anywhere. They had to give away a little bit of their lead to do that though.
The America's Cup Port was full of New Zealanders today sporting banners, red socks and kiwis. The whole Port was buzzing.
The spectator fleet was perhaps the largest seen so far and hundreds turned out to watch the match of the big screens.
The funny thing is today was Friday, a work day. one can only imagine what the weekend is going to be like.
COMMENTS
Leo Bouzaid
Ice cool under Pressure
This is the headline I would use to describe the way ETNZ performed against the Italian boat in Race 1. With the machinery of both camps equal in performance it is mow only the ability to maintain a top performance when under extreme pressure that will see the winning team through. It is now more about the people and the team than the equipment. The team building and inter-relationships that Dalton will have been working on over the last few years will now come into play. We saw in 2003 and as recently as last month how quickly pressure can destroy a team. Let's hope our team will continue to perform as they have to date and the gear holds together. I doubt they will win all their races in this final but as long as they remember that 'what doesn't kill you make you stronger', then ETNZ should prevail. The odd lucky wind shift is welcome too.
Brendan
Hi all, there are 18 of us heading to big V tomorrow from Copenhagen, Denmark - we've had to sacrifice watching the AB's v Frogs but am sure they won't need our support tomorrow. Looking forward to sun, cerveza and scantily clad babes, oh yeah, the sailing as well.
Brent Fitzsimons
Living in CANBERRA, we struggle to know anyone who is aware of the America's Cup let alone has any interest! My wife and I excitedly read the NZ Herald's coverage in anticipation of The Black Boat making the final.To be one up in the challenger final is terrific. Exciting to see the race so close - true competition! If we go on to win the America's Cup back we just may have to return to Auckland to live!Good luck Team New Zealand!
kiwi in canada
.......and "hey presto" the the Torban Grael factor disappears.
Frank from Wanganui
