Ok Guys, the repechage type of semi-finals have started, between Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. (Henceforth referred to as LRPP for obvious reasons), and Patriot, the American Magic boat. The winner of this best of 7 series then races Ineos Britannia for the right to be the challenger to sail against Team NZ. That will be a best of 9 races I think.
If you don't want to know the outcome of the first two races, don't read the next few lines, ok..?
Ok, you looked, so...LRPP are 2-0, but the US boat Patriot was clearly still getting settled in and sorting some things out after such quick repairs, and did clock the fastest ever speed so far of 53.3 knots. That's actually 60mph, or ~ 100kph, so it's really moving, and a real positive.
They had some rudder issues, and they really have to nail the starts to have much chance, but bearing in mind what the American boat did back in San Francisco, you would never count them out yet, as it is a best of 7 series this one.
However, if they lose both races tomorrow, they are gone, sadly. Personally, even though I still feel part Kiwi, and hate to say this, but I think they need a better starting helmsman than Dean Barker. But that's just my view. But he is weak at the starts, especially up against Jimmie Spithill, and remember which boats they were skippering when the US boat made that amazing comeback from about 8 races down in San Fran. Just sayin'...
Ok, for those who don't remember, or never knew, Spithill (an Aussie) was skippering the US foiling catamaran Oracle, and Barker, (Kiwi) the Team NZ boat. Go figure...