| The fourth round of the iShares Cup put on a fantastic spectacle, and today's conclusion proved the perfect finale with huge crowds - Kiel officials estimated 50,000 spectators came to watch Day 3 of racing - packing the foreshore 10 deep. In glorious sunshine a perfect 10-15 knots of breeze all day had the Extreme 40s powering off the startline and soaring into the shore on one hull.
The 10 teams had been pushing for every last inch of advantage during the previous two days of racing, and today was no exception. Defending iShares Cup champions and 2008 Series leaders TeamOrigin went into the final day in third place, but got off to a flying start, leading the first race from start to finish. However the main drama took place at the first mark rounding, when one of the Umpire boats - who settle on the water disputes - found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time, and were hit by Holmatro at the first bear away. No crew were hurt in the incident. ...more |
