Yachting: Dalton - Team New Zealand gave as good as they could

By Julie Ash

4 Jul, 2007 05:00 PM3 mins to read

Team NZ did the best they could says Grant Dalton, 'it was as good as we had'.

KEY POINTS:

Team New Zealand managing director Grant Dalton says his team couldn't have given any more in their final race against Alinghi in Valencia.

While the race, won by Alinghi by 1s, will go down as one of the most thrilling in America's Cup history, that was of little consolation to Team New Zealand.

"Maybe it was but who cares," Dalton said.

"We didn't win it and that is all that matters. We were sailing as hard as we possibly could. They beat us fair and square, all credit to them. It was as good as we had - we didn't have any more to give."

Trailing Alinghi 4-2 in the best-of-nine race series, Team New Zealand had to win yesterday's race to keep their hopes alive.

Like the last three races it started off well for Dean Barker and his crew. Although the Swiss gained the favourable right hand side, the Kiwis pushed into the lead midway up the first beat.

But as they neared the top mark Alinghi managed to hold their opponent past the port layline.

A luffing match ensued before Alinghi helmsman Ed Baird accelerated and took SUI100 around the top mark 7s ahead.

Down the run Team New Zealand's gybes and spinnaker handling was a lot more concise than the Swiss. With Alinghi's spinnaker flailing momentarily, Team New Zealand surged past.

At the bottom gate Team New Zealand opted for the left-hand mark, while Alinghi rounded the right mark 14s behind.

Going left was perhaps Team New Zealand's crucial mistake.

The second beat played out similarly to the first, with Team New Zealand's nose in front before the Swiss, benefiting from being on the right and the rightaway boat, went for a tricky dial down move close to the mark.

The Kiwis tried to get below SUI100 but failed and earned a penalty.

Trailing by 12s and with a penalty hanging over them it appeared to be all over for Team New Zealand.

But another twist in the match occurred when, on the final approach to the finish, Alinghi had a problem with their spinnaker pole. At the same time the breeze dropped and shifted.

Alinghi, dead in the water, were overtaken. Sailing past, Team New Zealand did their penalty turn and made it across the finish line in sync with Alinghi but were judged 1s behind.

Team New Zealand tactician Terry Hutchinson said he took his hat off to Alinghi but was proud of his team's effort.

"I think if you look at the enormity of the situation and what was at stake for both teams, it was an incredible race."