Racing Delayed Again

Conditions proved unsuitable for racing again at the Louis Vuitton Cup in Valencia. Four full days of racing have now had to be postponed due to the wind never having been strong and stable enough to start a match.

On Thursday, there were moments in the afternoon when it appeared as if the wind gods would smile on the competitors and provide enough of a sea breeze for racing. But conditions were never stable across the race areas for a long enough time to start a race. In fact, measurements from the race course areas rarely showed the wind breaking through the 7 knot barrier.

For teams, fans and race organizers alike, it has been a frustrating week: ‘As event organizers, we are obviously very disappointed with the current situation,’ acknowledged Michel BONNEFOUS, the CEO of the organizing authority for the 32nd America’s Cup. ‘Four days of racing have been lost due to the unusual weather circumstances across Southern Europe. A situation like this couldn’t be anticipated. None of the historical weather data recorded for this period of the year in Valencia showed the possibility of four consecutive non-sailable days. In fact, for the eight Louis Vuitton Acts that took place here only two full days of racing were lost.

‘This situation clearly affects the running order of the competition and we are currently in discussion with the Regatta Director and the Challenger Commission to determine what, if anything, should be done as far as the racing schedule for the next few days is concerned.’

Despite the frustration at not having suitable conditions, the competitors supported the decision not to race, ‘The Race Committee did the right thing,’ said BMW ORACLE Racing strategist Eric DOYLE (USA). ‘We would rather have no racing than bad racing. Everybody understands that this sort of thing happens.’

Flights 1 to 8 of Round Robin One have now all been pushed onto reserve days or deeper into the schedule. On Friday, the first reserve day of Round Robin One, Flights 1 and 2, which were lost on Monday, are scheduled to be raced.

Scheduled Matches On Friday

Flight 1

1. Mascalzone Latino Capitalia Team vs. Emirates Team New Zealand
2. +39 Challenge vs. AREVA Challeng
4. United Internet Team Germany vs. BMW ORACLE Racing 
5. Team Shosholoza vs. Victory Challenge
6. China Team vs. Luna Rossa Challenge

Bye – Desafío Español 2007

Flight 2

1. Desafío Español 2007 vs. +39 Challenge
2. Mascalzone Latino Capitalia Team vs. AREVA Challenge
3. United Internet Team Germany vs. Team Shosholoza
4. China Team vs. BMW ORACLE Racing
5. Victory Challenge vs. Luna Rossa Challenge

Bye – Emirates Team New Zealand

Louis Vuitton Cup – Round Robin One – Provisional Leaderboard

Pos	Team	Bonus Points	Matches Sailed	Matches Won	Pts
1	Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL 92)	4	0		4
2	BMW ORACLE Racing (USA 98)	3	0		3
2	Luna Rossa Challenge (ITA 94)	3	0		3
2	Desafío Español 2007 (ESP 97)	3	0		3
5	Mascalzone Latino-Capitalia (ITA 99)	2	0		2
5	Victory Challenge (SWE 96)	2	0		2
5	Team Shosholoza (RSA 83)	2	0		2
5	+39 Challenge (ITA 85)	2	0		2
9	Areva Challenge (FRA 93)	1	0		1
9	United Internet Team Germany (GER 89)	1	0		1
9	China Team (CHN 95)	1	0		1

The America’s Cup Match and Challenger/Defender Series are designated as ISAF Special Events. For more information on the America’s Cup, the Louis Vuttion Acts and the teams competing, visit the official America’s Cup website – www.americascup.com.

For a complete list of all the news about the America’s Cup 2007 CLICK HERE.