Semi-Finals Summary:

BMW Oracle Racing vs All4One

Race One, BMW Oracle Racing def All4One, 00:18:
Using his starboard entry advantage, James Spithill chased All4One’s Sebastien Col all around the start box, cornering him below the committee boat. The skipper of the French/German boat attempted to gybe across the bows of BMW Oracle Racing, the Americans’ protest flag went up and Col was penalized for failing to keep clear. Col kept it close around the course but finished second with the penalty still outstanding.

Race Two, BMW Oracle Racing def All4One, 00:51
After swapping boats and swapping ends, both boats started on starboard tack. All4One claimed the boat end while BMW Oracle Racing started at speed at the pin with a small lead over their slower starting opponent. BMWOR’s Spithill ducked the French/German boat on the first cross to get to the right and control the rest of the beat. The USA boat led by eight seconds at the top mark, extended to 26 seconds at the leeward mark and continued sailing away, barely faltering as they peeled a slightly ripped spinnaker on the last leg.

Emirates Team New Zealand vs Mascalzone Latino Audi

Race One, Emirates Team New Zealand def Mascalzone Latino Audi, 00:28
A long dialup culminated in a split start with Dean Barker taking ETNZ out to the favored right side on port. Gavin Brady and the Italians enjoyed better conditions at the top of the course and led by 22 seconds at the first mark. On the run, the Kiwis soaked down to sail into the leeward gate together with the Italians. Barker took the left-hand gate and seized control of the right as Mascalzone had an untidy drop and trailed by four seconds. Brady kept it close and Barker let the Italians get right closing the top mark. It was a good call as the Kiwis sailed into a lift and more pressure on the left. The ETNZ lead was 13 seconds, which they extended to 120 meters at the finish.

Race Two, Emirates Team New Zealand Mascalzone Latino Audi, 00:22
Gavin Brady and his Mascalzone Latino Audi team claimed the right at the start and were leading approaching the top mark but let Dean Barker get out to the right and use the starboard tack advantage while sailing into the mark. Brady attempted to tack but the Kiwis were between him and the mark and forcing him away. The Italians were penalized for failing to keep clear as Barker bore off and led around fthe mark with a 14 second lead. Brady kept it close but finished second, still carrying the penalty.

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