Dateline: Valenica, Spain

June 30, 2007

           Making tough decisions in the heat of competition is the essence of all sports. Emirates Team New Zealand's Terry Hutchinson faced the biggest choice of his highly successful sailing career in Race 6 of the 32nd America's Cup. It was his alone to make and would ultimately be the crucial moment that would decide the turning point of the 32nd America's Cup.

           The score at that point was Alinghi 3 wins vs. NZ 2 wins in the best of 9 series. In the first five races NZ led in four of the races. The fifth was a heartbreaker. On leg 2 with a two length lead, NZ's spinnaker blew apart giving Alinghi an easy win.

           After the start of Race 6, NZ slowly worked ahead of Alinghi after a long starboard tack. The wind on the left side of the course was stronger and shifting in that direction. NZ benefited and led at the first mark by 2 lengths. Now comes the big decision. Which side of the course should NZ protect on Leg 3?

           Hutchinson called for the starboard gate, the boat rounded and headed off to the left side of the course. Less than 2 lengths behind Alinghi's tactician had no choice but to head off in the opposite direction. NZ tacked to port to cover. So far so good. Soon Alinghi tacked on to starboard. Now NZ's lead was only 1/2 length. The left had worked well on Leg 1 but could the trend be changing? What did the weather forecaster suggest before the race - left or right? Now for the decision. Should NZ continue across Alinghi and take the right? If the wind was going right this was the moment to go for it. If the wind was going to be better toward the left, NZ would tack directly on Alinghi's wind and force them to the right. Butterworth was at Hutchinson's mercy. There was about 30 seconds for Hutchinson to make the call. It was silent on both boats. The tension built. Alinghi's helmsman, Ed Baird, bore off slightly to accelerate. His jib trimmer, Simon Daubney, eased the sail a click. You always want to be at top speed when boats engage in advance of a maneuver. Decisions are hard to make when you don't know the outcome. Hutchinson called for the tack. It was perfect. NZ protected the left, while Alinghi was forced to the right. But would the right trend that brought Alinghi closer continue?

           Two minutes later the two boats tacked toward each other again. The spectators on an estimated 400 boats strained to get a clear view. The racing boats were close. Alinghi gained. The right was working. NZ could no longer cross. Everything was happening fast. The momentum shifted. Butterworth was in control. NZ scrambled to catch up, but the crucial victory that was needed to even the series was slipping away. Alinghi continued to gain on the right and won by a comfortable 28 second margin.

           Now NZ needs three victories in a row to turn the tide. After a cancelled day with no wind and a scheduled lay day, NZ has time to regroup. Breaks happen in mysterious ways. Perhaps Hutchinson will have better luck in Race 7.