 Oracle and Luna Rossa enjoyed a tough tussle on Friday |
BMW Oracle Racing and Italian rivals Luna Rossa are tied at the top of the standings after Friday's racing in the Louis Vuitton Cup off Valencia. Race five was keenly fought, with New Zealand skipper Chris Dickson leading BMW Oracle to victory after trailing the Italians at the leeward gate.
But Luna Rossa drew level when they beat Areva Challenge in race six, which BMW Oracle sat out with a bye.
Meanwhile, Mascalzone have been told to replay their race with Desafio.
The jury found that Italian team Mascalzone had breached rules which stipulate that once the stays have been set before the start, they must remain untouched for the duration of the race.
Spain's Desafio, who ended up losing the match, complained after viewing video evidence of the race.
"Yes there was a minor infringement but it had absolutely no influence on the outcome," said Mascalzone boss Vincenzo Onorato.
The top four boats at the end of the second series of round robins will earn a place in the semi-finals of the LV Cup.
China Team, United Internet Team Germany and +39 Challenge cannot reach the semi-finals after Friday's results.
The eventual winners will take on America's Cup champion Alinghi in the finals from 23 June to 4 July.
Standings after flight six of round robin second stage (matches/points):
1. BMW Oracle Racing (USA) 15 matches/29 pts
1. Luna Rossa Challenge (Ita) 16/29
3. Emirates Team New Zealand (NZ) 15/28
4. Desafio Espanol (Spa) 14/23
5. Victory Challenge (Swe) 16/22
6. Mascalzone Latino (Ita) 14/18
7. Team Shosholoza (SA) 16/16
8. Areva Challenge (Fra) 15/13
9. +39 Challenge (Ita) 15/6
10. United Internet Team Germany (Ger) 16/5
11. China Team (Chi) 16/3
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