In the closing stages of the pre-start battle, helmsman Andy Green set up the British GBR Challenge astern of the OneWorld Challenge yacht, helmed by 23-year-old Australian James Spithill.
Pushing hard, the British drove into a leeward overlap and luffed hard. Both yachts went virtually head to wind, the British yacht stalled, while OneWorld was able to maintain some speed.
Spithill luffed, breaking the overlap. The bow of the British yacht, now without luffing rights, then collided with the transom of OneWorld Challenge. The umpires ruled against the British team.
After that, the British never recovered. OneWorld Challenge led off the startline and extended their lead on every leg.
The delta at the first windward mark was 54 seconds and, by the time the British completed their 270 degree penalty turn at the finish line, they were 3 minutes and 22 seconds behind.
OneWorld Challenge thus took their record to three wins from three starts.
Winds: S 16-22k
Winning margin: 3.22
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Racing schedule, results and standings
OneWorld beats GBR after pre-start luffing duel
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