A conventional dial-up marked the opening of the second match between Team Dennis Conner's Stars & Stripes and the British GBR Challenge's Wight Lightning in the Louis Vuitton Cup quarter finals.
After a long hold head-to-wind, USA-77 and GBR-70 eventually fell away to port.
For the next few minutes Stars & Stripes was chased by Wight Lightning in the pre-start as the pair sailed back into the safer right-hand side of the box. Shortly before the start both peeled away, Stars & Stripes to the right and Wight Lightning to the left, and there was no further engagement in the pre-start manoeuvring.
Stars & Stripes crossed the line four seconds ahead and to weather.
Both boats still appeared to be evenly matched, as far as speed and height were concerned. But as the race progressed it was the crew of Stars & Stripes who appeared to be more in phase with the shifty conditions.
Working the shifts both upwind and down, Team Dennis Conner extended their lead throughout the race until the penultimate leg.
Winds: SSW 15k
Winning margin: 01.17
Series tied 1-1.
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Racing schedule, results and standings
Conner's veterans gain tactical win over British newcomers
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