America's Cup - Race Three

Probably the most thrilling race of the entire 32nd cup match racing to date. Both team's working hard under difficult conditions as lastnight's storm once again brought choppy sea's.

Dial Up: Barker fought hard to keep the right and sacrificed 8 seconds off the start in order to do so allowing Alinghi to gain 2 boat lengths but with a split tack start heading up the right hand side the wind shifts came and we clawed back and took the lead eventually rounding the top mark 1:23 ahead of Alinghi with a Hoist clean and spinnekar set in the face of Alinghi still to round the mark one.

Mark Two: Barker found difficulty in the boats direction against win direction and lost pace and caused the bowmen to faulter when the Spinnekar got caught in the clew but quickly recoverd and only lost 10 seconds.

3rd Leg: Having a strong gain over Alinghi is was their marvellous efforts and determination the they were able to fight back at ETNZ and close the gap only nearing the top mark getting their bow in front and taking the mark ahead of ETNZ whom followed shorlty after.

Last Downwind Leg: This moment brought about several nail biting situations as the lead changed several times from 80 ahead to 50 behind and back again. ETNZ were able to read the shifts right and align themselves in a better position towards the finish line which brought them a 25 second delta win over Alinghi going 2 up with only 3 more wins to successfully secure that "The America's Cup is once again New Zealands Cup"

(had a few emotional tears typing that last line)