Even before today, word in the media centre from America’s Cup pundits was that Alinghi would enjoy a 5 – 0 whitewash of Emirates Team New Zealand in this 32nd America’s Cup.

And true to form after Team New Zealand led briefly after the start Alinghi took over and led all the way round the course, winning by 34 seconds.

So is it game over? I think not. This is why. On the second beat ETNZ made up time on Alinghi and in the press conference afterwards Dean Barker admitted that they had chosen the wrong side of the course and suffered several adverse shifts. Secondly word on the street is that Alinghi is optimised for winds in the 12 – 15 knot range, today’s wind in other words, whereas ETNZ is configured for breezes under 10 knots.

And as the forecast for tomorrow is for lighter winds I’m not writing off the Kiwis yet.
Picture shows Alinghi about to cross the line