The finish tape for Act 2 is in sight and with it the end of the match racing for the 2004 racing calendar for the 32nd America’s Cup. Yet Act 2 promises to provide an exciting finish for spectators and a tough day for the top four teams.
For Emirates Team New Zealand to maintain their slim lead over Luna Rossa, the Kiwis need to beat two teams during the day and score two points. Then Act 2 would be decided on a tie-break which the Kiwis would win.
On their current performance, a win against LE DEFI would seem probable but not certain, but then the Kiwis need to go on to beat either BMW ORACLE or Alinghi, a tough call but certainly within their reach.
Ironically, LE DEFI is the focus of attention for both the Swiss and the Americans, who are currently on equal points. Each of these teams need to beat the French to stay in the game and remain in the top three. Assuming they each pass that test, the end of the day will see a thrilling head to head between two teams who are not used to fighting for anything other than first.
It's difficult to imagine a better scripted close to a series of tight match racing in the widest variety of conditions. But there is just one other variable, the weather.
At present tomorrow's conditions look pretty light and could throw the form book into the air. Whatever happens, you can't afford to miss this one.
