By SUZANNE McFADDEN
AmericaOne might be holding it together - but their $100,000 sails are splitting at the seams.
Paul Cayard's USA49 continued its charge at the head of the fleet of America's Cup challengers yesterday, but it tore its fourth spinnaker in 28 races.
As AmericaOne powered to the line in around
10 knots of breeze yesterday, under no pressure from opponents Young America, its fluorescent green kite exploded - a clean vertical tear from virtually the top of the sail to the bottom.
The crew dragged in the 5000 sq ft of hi-tech nylon fibre - by then in two pieces - so the sailmakers could put it back through the sewing machine overnight.
Cayard admitted he was concerned. "It's not bad luck. It's something we have to clean up on our rig."
AmericaOne have repaired all of their torn spinnakers so far. At around $US50,000 a sail, they would have to.
Nippon had spinnaker problems of their own yesterday, when their attempt at a gybe peel almost ended with two crew in the water.
The Japanese, who need another win yet to qualify for the top six, were well ahead of America True on the final run.
But when they attempted to change spinnakers mid-run, their double sparshackle broke and bowman Toshiki Shibata - back racing after a nasty accident with the spinnaker pole - was left dangling over the side of the bow.
In a race where the lead changed four times, America True sailed on by to win by 6s.
The French took another stride in the right direction, scoring their fourth win in a row, to move into the top six for the first time in this regatta.
With a few changes to their narrow boat Sixieme Sens between rounds, Le Defi are relishing the lighter airs and dealt the Spanish a 4m 15s loss, which probably crushed Spain's chances of qualifying.
Le Defi are now six points clear of Spain, with four races in hand to the Spaniards' two.
With Young America eight points in arrears of the French, but with an easier draw for their final races, their clash on the last day of the round robins is shaping up to be the showdown of the Louis Vuitton Cup so far.
