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The America's Cup season opened
on Thursday with the first 12 matches in the Valencia
Louis Vuitton Act 4, and conditions promised some
good racing.
Five completely new teams took to the water to race
for the first time in this 32nd America's Cup, completing
the most diverse line-up in the history of the Cup.
The action wasn't limited to the water. Thursday
also marked the opening of the America's Cup Park,
and was an opportunity for Valencianos to come down
and experience the spirit of the America's Cup.
The Park was busy, with crowds enjoying the action
on the water via big screen television and commentary.
The local heroes, Desafío Español 2007 got off to
a strong start, beating the first ever German team
to race in the America's Cup. The Spaniards later
fell to Luna Rossa Challenge, who likely feel at
home in Valencia, having sailed here longer than
any other team.
Other highlights in the first pairings included
a tight match between BMW Oracle Racing and Sweden's
Victory Challenge, who put in a credible performance
against one of the strongest teams at the Cup.
The new German challenger didn't wait too long to
earn its first win at the America's Cup. After falling
to the Spanish team, United Internet Team Germany
surprised K-Challenge with a strong performance
in the second flight of races, in what many are
calling the match of the day.
German skipper Jesper Bank made a nifty move at
the first windward mark; approaching bow to bow
on starboard tack he was able to sneak inside the
French boat and round ahead. From there Bank extended
away, sailing aggressively to victory by 1:02.
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