Alinghi skipper Peter Holmberg and his crew battled testing conditions to beat fellow America's Cup yachtsman Francesco Bruni on Luna Rossa in the final of the Laureus Regatta on Monday (May 16) in Cascais.

King Juan Carlos of Spain was among the many spectactors who turned out to watch crews from Alinghi, Luna Rossa, Desafio Espanol and Shosholoza compete in the two-day regatta, which formed part of the Laureus Sports Awards event.

Sailing in Swedish Match 40 yachts, the crews of Alinghi and Luna Rossa advanced to the closely contested final. In squally conditions, both crews fought against a northerly 20 knot wind with frequent gusts of up to 25 knots.

After the ninth round, Holmberg had advanced to the final stage with a 7-2 lead with Bruni closely following at 5-4. Until the closing straight, both yachts jostled for the lead until a strong gust hit Luna Rossa causing her to broach.

Alinghi's Swedish skipper took advantage and went on to clinch the victory. Karol Jablonski and his Desafio Espanol crew took third place, beating Chris Law and the Shosholoza team.

Finals

Final : Alinghi bat Luna Rossa
Petit final : Desafío Español bat Shosholoza Résultats des

Selections

1. Alinghi (7-2)
2. Luna Rossa (5-4)
3. Desafío Español (3-6)
= Shosholoza (3-6)