3-2 for alinghi

High temperature - strong wind in Valencia today, Friday 30. An early southeatern breeze of almost 15 knots and flat sea guaranteed a spectacular race. Both teams left Port America's Cup for the race course at 13:00. Race five started on time. ETNZ had a very aggressive start, about 20 metres ahead, but soon alinghi covered up the difference and nosed in front. Barker manages to carry Baird all the way out to the starboard layline and tack first. Even though the Kiwis are only a few metres ahead, it could translate into a much bigger lead by the time they reach the windward mark. Kiwis lead by 12 seconds around the first mark. A problem with their spinakker allows alinghi to pass by the leeward. The Kiwis managed to hoist up a second spinakker and cut away the old one, but alinghi was already 170 metres ahead. Kiwis trailed by 26 seconds at the leeward gate. Alinghi kept ETNZ to the left hand side of the course. The Kiwis disengaged from a tacking duel. Alinghi lead by 24 seconds at the final mark, looking comfortable. ETNZ used the symmetrical spinakker. Alinghi crossed the finish line first, 19 seconds ahead. Next race is scheduled for tomorrow.