Finally, after two race postponements the 33rd Challenge for the America’s Cup got underway today in Valencia Spain.  The first time in history two multi-hulled boats are racing for the cup.  Alinghi  had a large composite main sail and BMW/Oracle was flying a huge segmented, rigid wing, two very different technologies.  With 8-10 knots of wind, each boat was averaging between 16 and 24 knots.    An incredible speed in such light conditions.  Unfortunately the race was over almost before it started.  Alinghi (SUI) fouled

BMW/Oracle (USA) before the start of the  race and earned herself a 270 degree penalty turn.  BMW/Oracle proved herself to be a faster boat that can point 3-4 degrees closer to the wind which translates into a much shorter distance to the windward mark.  By the time BMW/Oracle crossed the finish line she had opened up a 3500 meter, 15 min lead over the Swiss boat.  The next race is scheduled for Sunday in this best of three showdown.  Stronger winds have been predicted, could this give Alinghi the edge?  We’ll have to wait and see.