Playing with the big boys

GBR Challenge beaten by Prada in today's finals at the America's Cup Jubilee Regatta

GBR Challenge's hopes of winning the Louis Vuitton Trophy in this week's America's Cup Jubilee Regatta were ripped away when their brand new asymmetric gennaker exploded on route to the finish line.

GBR 52 raised their game above the high standard of yesterday for the pre-start, matching Luna Rossa's every move. After giving the Italian boat, helmed by Francesco De Angelis, a slight advantage by arriving a few seconds late to the starboard end, Andy Green, helming GBR 52, was soon in control. Luna Rossa slipped past the British team, sailing on port towards the starboard end of the line, however a slow gybe resulted in a penalty when GBR 52 were forced to avoid the manoeuvering boat.

It was a classic start, with the two boats splitting as they crossed the line, with GBR 52 taking the starboard end. Ian Walker, having taken the helm from Green after the start, defended well up the first beat . The two boats came together three times before finally splitting, with the British again taking the right hand side of the course. They had chosen wisely commanding a 16 second lead when the two boats dived round the windward mark for the first time.

photos on all seven pages from Rick Tomlinson and Carlo Borlenghi...