AP News, May 1st, 2007
Louis Vuitton Cup racing was postponed Tuesday due to strong winds that could have resulted in damage to the yachts.
The third-flight races of the America's Cup challengers series were rescheduled for Wednesday before the scheduled fourth flight.
"When we got permission to finally take down our sails, (the wind) was smoking," BMW Oracle Racing strategist Peter Isler said. "It wouldn't have been fair racing, some team could have had its campaign dented (through breakdown)."
The American entry was upset by China Team after breaking a headsail foil halfway up the first lap in the second flight Tuesday. Isler said the crew has repaired the damage to USA-98.
BMW Oracle Racing and Italian syndicate Luna Rossa lead the standings with 23 points. Emirates Team New Zealand has 20 points and Desafio Espanol 19.
The Americans sail against Shosholoza of South Africa on the southern "Juliet" course Wednesday, after Luna Rossa races United Internet Team Germany.
A lack of wind postponed six of the first eight days of sailing. Tuesday's postponement was the first as a result of too much wind.
BMW Oracle Racing meteorologist Chris Bedford said the high wind Tuesday was due to a low pressure system originating from the Atlantic Ocean.
The strong, unstable wind is expected to affect sailing in the coming days, he said.
The top four finishers after the ongoing second round-robin stage will advance to the Louis Vuitton Cup semifinals, from May 14-24.
The Louis Vuitton Cup will decide which of the 11 challengers will sail against America's Cup champion Alinghi in the finals from June 23-July 4.
