It took a little longer than expected, but when it started it was worth waiting for. Reversals of fortune, blown spinnakers, lead changes and tight racing meant that the Fleet Races of Act 5 delivered on their promise of compelling action.

When it was all over, Sweden's Victory Challenge stood alone at the top of the leaderboard, on the biggest holiday celebrated in Sweden, Midsummer's Eve.

Valencia Louis Vuitton Act 5 opened on Friday with lighter conditions on a hot, hazy and overcast day in Valencia. The soft breezes initially weren't entirely unwelcome as many sailors expressed trepidation at the prospect of 12 America's Cup Class boats hurtling at the starting line together.

Race Officer Harold Bennett began the start sequence on time, but as the gun fired, he issued a general recall as several boats were over the starting line early.

At about the same time, the light seven-knot Southeasterly began to fade, and Bennett fired the postponement signal shortly afterwards. But just over one hour later, the breeze was up, and racing began at 15:40 in a six to eight knot Southeasterly.

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