AUCKLAND, NZ, OCTOBER 1, 2002- OneWorld won its first race of the Louis Vuitton Cup against the Italian syndicate, Mascalzone Latino (ITA 72). The first race got underway this afternoon under overcast skies, with a 10-12 knot south-westerly breeze and shifty conditions.

Skipper, Peter Gilmour, handed the helm to James Spithill and he showed his prowess on the start, boxing Italian helmsman Paolo Cian out from the pin end of the line, before crossing well ahead of ITA 72. USA 67 pointed higher and sailed faster than the Italian counterpart, eventually rounding the first windward mark with a 1:14 lead. That combination of speed and pointing ability proved hard to beat, and the OneWorld team went on to win their first race by 05:43.

“James did a fabulous job on the start, we were going the right way with ITA 72 behind us. The start makes such a big difference in these boats. The race really was all over with a minute to go before the start gun,” said Peter Gilmour, Skipper of OneWorld Challenge.

Round Robin 1/Race 1 Starting Line-Up: Peter Gilmour, Skipper; James Spithill, Helmsman; Kevin Hall, Navigator; Richard Dodson, Runner; Ben Durham, Runner/Grinder; Charlie McKee, Tactician; Don Cowie, Main Trimmer; Brian Ledbetter, Main Grinder; Tatsuya Wakinaga, Tail; Joe Newton, Trim; Andrew Taylor, Grinder; Craig Monk, Grinder; Jeremy Scantlebury, Pit; Matthew Mason, Mast; Don McCracken, Mid-Bow; Alan Smith, Bow. The “17th Man” seat was occupied by Seattle Yacht Club Commodore Dick Johnson.

Scores To Date:

OneWorld Challenge/1

1 Point is awarded per win in Round Robin 1 of the Louis Vuitton Cup.

Other Finishes:

Alinghi beat Le Défi AREVA – Delta 4:48