Pics of ETNZ defeating Alinghi in the LV final

[Rob_Webb]

A nice Valentine's Day present for those of us supporting ETNZ (i.e. most of Auckland). Some pics of an uncharacteristically dull day after most of the tournament held in brilliant sunshine. Team Origin had a good run with some impressive wins but couldn't sustain it to win the right to challenge the hosts ETNZ in the final. And so in the end it was the race that everyone wanted to see i.e. a reprise of the Americas Cup with Alinghi vs ETNZ in the best of 5. After going 1 down on day one, ETNZ bounced back strongly on day two to win 3 in a row to take the LV Pacific Cup. Includes the sweet moment as ETNZ crossed the finish in the final race. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[PeterGibbs]

Many thanks for putting these up. A great result for Kiwis and for match sailing!

What a contrast to the first race of the 2003 challenge in Auckland which I witnesed from a hulk near the starting line: could not believe it as the Kiwi boat actually began to ship water, and retired within minutes of the start. Everyone headed home in dismay. We were amongst the last to turn back: I turned to see Alinghi, forlorn and alone, sailing the full course to take the points, all spectators gone. It doesn't get more depresssing than that..

PWG

 

[crewman]

Great pics!

Am I being thick or are they flying assymetric spinnakers of a conventional pole? Is it because they do not have a sprit?

 

[Rob_Webb]

Yes they are flying assymetircs on a pole. Idea being to give them one (simple) set of sails that cater for most conditions and provide for both flatter and higher downwind angles. Seemed to have worked well.