Day 1 of Racing
 

October 5, 2004
 

Sailing took on a new meaning today as the wind finally kicked in.

A visitor from Perth said the wind has always started up by 2:00 in the two weeks he's been here. He was right, and we were able to watch Luna Rossa make good on the  practice time she spent this summer here in Valencia.

The light air made a subtle difference in getting back to the line for the starts. Over all, the day was a good mix-up and the competition on the water gave the impression that the balance of power is in question. The Italian woman next to me could not help express her enthusiasm for Luna Rossa's strong showing, beating BMW Oracle by 0:58 and finishing 25 seconds behind Alinghi.

Earlier in the day, a very nicely done announcement took place on the Yacht "Cristina O" introducing the BMW Oracle sailing team's associate sponsor Girard-Perregaux, maker of fine watches. Skipper Chris Dickson, helped by Girard-Perregaux President Luigi Macaluso, described how their two groups are working together as a team to win the America's Cup.

As for counting spectator boats, estimates were in the 30-40 range, though, of course, some of those boats were curve-breakers, being a little on the large size.

--from Lyn Hines ©2004