America's Cup Nail-Biter

Alinghi won the 32nd America's Cup today, in the most dramatic fashion imaginable. In fact, it was drama beyond imagination. Hollywood could not have penned the final to the 7th, and deciding race of the series.

After an engaging pre-start, both boats started deal level, then Alinghi passed New Zealand at the weather mark after a tight duel. New Zealand clawed past again on the way downwind, splitting tacks at the bottom mark. Alinghi drew level on the layline to the top mark, and dialled down at New Zealand as they crossed, forcing New Zealand into a penalty and behind. It looked all over for New Zealand. Surely the cup was Alinghi's as they headed downwind with a 130m lead and New Zealand still owing them two turns.

And yet... less than 1km from the finish the Kiwis spotted the wind ahead dying and backing by 90 degrees. They hoisted their jib in readiness. Alinghi sailed on unaware of the wind shift ahead. Suddenly it hit both boats; Alinghi's spinnaker was ripped out of the pole and went in the water; New Zealand dashed ahead as Alinghi fumbled to recover. But there was still those two turns. New Zealand attempted them right on the line, and completed the second... just as Alinghi brought her bow across the line. Alinghi had won, by a single second. The America's Cup, sport's oldest trophy, had been captured by the narrowest of margins.

That race was the best sporting event I have ever witnessed. And I have seen a few as a Munster supporter. I couldn't even breathe as the boats approached the line together. In fact, I had to lay down on the floor before I passed out! The excitment was too much even for my NTL digital TV, which decided that the best moment to pack up would be 3 seconds before the finish of the best race ever! I was left in unknowing agony, and had to find out the result from the Internet. That was the most drama imaginable, and now I need to lie down.