Alinghi tactics switch puts wind up rivals

A LAST-MINUTE strategy switch at the start of yesterday’s third America’s Cup race gave Alinghi of Switzerland the edge they needed to beat defending champion Team New Zealand around the course for a third straight time.

The 23-second victory gave Alinghi a 3-0 lead over Team New Zealand and put them just two wins away from becoming the first European team to ever take home the 152-year-old trophy.

Alinghi led the race from start to finish after choosing to begin the six-leg, 18.5 nautical mile course on the right-hand side where a sudden surge of wind sent them 200 metres ahead of the beleaguered defenders.