Valencia, 21:15 Saturday

Beaut day for racing -- sunny, warm, dry and even better breeze (12-13 kts) than expected. Close loss to Alinghi, but not much in it. They got the first shift. JK, Gavin & Co. clawed their way back, but Alinghi hung on to win despite breaking their spinnaker pole on the last run. Our boatspeed was good.

Second race against Mascalzone not much of a contest. Tony Kolb and Carl Williams were aboard 76 for the race with "Macaroni" (as they are known with affection around the Port America's Cup), and Gavin and Larry again shared driving duties.

Big David Brooke got whacked on the leg during the race against Alinghi; but, while they shoot horses, last I saw Brookie at the Base this evening he was still standing and shrugging it off in true Kiwi style.

Mood in the camp tonight is upbeat and relaxed, with the realization that there are going to be many, many close races over the next two years. Some will go our way, some not. Full marks to Alinghi for a good job today, and to ETNZ who held off Luna Rossa in the other key match.

Standings as of tonight:

Alinghi (SUI) 6
Emirates Team NZ (NZL) 6
BMW ORACLE (USA) 5
Luna Rossa (ITA) 5
Desafio Espanol (ESP) 4
Victory Challenge (SWE) 3
+39 (ITA) 2
K-Challenge (FRA) 2
China Team (CHN) 1
Mascalzone Latino (ITA) 1
United Internet Team Germany (GER) 1
Shosholoza (RSA) 0

Tomorrow it's UITG and then Desafio Espanol, who, no surprise, have so far looked pretty good in the 2003 One World boat (ESP 67 nee USA 67) V5'd by Reichel-Pugh. Tomorrow is a big day for them -- facing Alinghi in the first flight before they meet us in the second.

Day 4 pairing list is posted here (pdf, 25 KB).

Now off to represent the team at another evening function. Long but good days.