Dean Barker applies the pressure at the third mark and then powers to the finish. Image copyright Chris Cameron/ETNZ.
by Warren Douglas
Dean Barker won his re-match against BMW Oracle Racing in fine style on Sunday, forcing a red-flag penalty just before the third mark that decided the outcome of the match.
BMW Oracle took the penalty immediately but the umpires ruled that they had not completed the turn. That meant another shot at it and the loss of more ground as Emirates Team New Zealand powered away down the run to the finish, crossing 54s ahead.
The penalty put the result of what had been a close race beyond any doubt. With the wind at 20knots but the water flat, there was nothing in it for the first two legs. Emirates Team New Zealand led around the first and second marks but the margins were small – just 6s at both.
Approaching the third mark, with the yachts almost bow to bow, Dean Barker forced a penalty on BMW Oracle which emerged from the tussle in a controlling position.
The umpires made it a “red flag” penalty which meant BMW Oracle had to make the turn immediately. The umpires ruled that they did not complete the turn and they had to do another once they rounded.
The match was a re-sail of the race that ended in controversy when the umpires penalised Emirates Team New Zealand. The team protested the circumstances surrounding the penalty and, although redress was denied, the umpires and the jury recommended to the race committee that the race be abandoned.
This race was the only one of six scheduled to be raced on Sunday. The building mistral wind brought a premature halt to racing. Racing tomorrow has been cancelled because the mistral will again dominate the weather.
Emirates Team New Zealand
Louis Vuitton Trophy
