KEY POINTS:
Last week the talk was of BMW Oracle Racing's slick gun-metal grey race yacht, USA98, which set the benchmark in round one of the challenger series.
This week the discussion has moved onto the Oracle afterguard following their come-from-behind wins over Team Shosholoza, Victory Challenge and now Luna Rossa.
These victories will go a long way towards securing the syndicate the desirable number one spot at the end of the round robin competition on Wednesday - giving them the right to choose their semifinal opponent.
While Oracle skipper/helmsman Chris Dickson will be disappointed about his team's starts, he will be happy with his crew's composure and their ability to regain the lead.
Because the racing conditions in Valencia are light and fickle and with just tiny differences in boat speed - the performance of the afterguard is proving crucial.
Not just starting and positioning the boat well but also being able to get past an opponent from behind.
Midway through round two, as you would expect, the afterguards in the top three teams - BMW Oracle Racing, Luna Rossa and Emirates Team New Zealand - have proved to be the most polished.
Yachting commentator Peter Lester said that BMW Oracle Racing were going well and the relationship between Dickson and his tactician [fellow New Zealander] Gavin Brady appeared strong.
"If Chris Dickson can keep his head on the job, which he is doing, and not get distracted or waylaid by other activities they are a real danger," Lester said.
"If Chris keeps believing in Gavin and not overruling him when the heat really comes on they are right there."
Lester said that, equally as potent as Oracle were the Luna Rossa afterguard, spearheaded by Australian helmsman James Spithill.
"James Spithill's stats say he is the best starter. He has always been a good starter. I think his boat placement and mark roundings, I think they are right here.
"I am not sure how that afterguard as a team are working with James and then Torben Grael and then Francesco de Angelis."
While Team New Zealand skipper/helmsman Dean Barker has copped plenty of flak from the international media for his efforts in the first round, Lester believes Barker will be fine.
"I think Dean has settled down. Maybe he doesn't fire early on. He didn't fire in act 10 and 11 [cup pre-regattas] and came back in act 12 and killed them.
"As long as he is supported correctly from the guys around him, I think he is fine."
Lester believes the loss of key strategist Adam Beashel, to injury, has affected the New Zealand afterguard.
"I think [back-up strategist] Mark [Mendelblatt] has done a good job. It is a really difficult job to come in as a substitute.
"I think Adam has a lot of respect from the Kiwi guys on the boat. Him not being there has made them look a little bit vulnerable."
