Oracle ends OneWorld's America's Cup hopes

SAN FRANCISCO’S Oracle raced to victory over OneWorld of Seattle yesterday for the right to take on Switzerland’s Alinghi for a place in the America’s Cup next year.

Oracle beat its rival by one minute and four seconds in a semi-final repechage for a clean sweep four-to-minus-one, with OneWorld carrying a minus-one penalty for breaking competition rules.

The result set up a United States vs Europe final next month for the Louis Vuitton Cup, the challenge round of the America’s Cup, with the winner going through to meet cup holders Team New Zealand in February.

Racing started in difficult, changing winds and both boats began the pre-start with a dial-up which failed to produce a clear winner.

The boats went into a sparring routine behind the line and were on a completely split tack start.

From the start Oracle tacked back first as OneWorld took an early lead.

Tactics and weather information played a role as OneWorld gybe-set around the mark and Oracle did a bear-away, each rolling the dice on a wind shift to come.

Oracle played it tight with a cover always between OneWorld and the finish line. The fluky winds became steady and solid, allowing Oracle an easy downwind run to the finish line, and finals glory.