Moet Cup 2003: ORACLE BMW Racing Extends Lead in Both Owner/Driver and Pro-Driver series

Pre-Start maneuvers crucial to the outcome of both races

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 18 -- With steady winds that ranged between 13-16 knots, blue skies, sunshine and flat water, it was a day to remember for both the spectators and sailors alike. For ORACLE BMW Racing it was quite simply a 'good day at the office' with race wins recorded in both the Owner/Driver and Pro-Driver regatta series.

The first start of the day saw a resumption of the Owner/Driver regatta with Larry Ellison for ORACLE BMW Racing and Ernesto Bertarelli for Alinghi going head to head. The starting joust was particularly important and USA-76 established an early lead that made it difficult for SUI-64 to find a passing lane. By cover tacking tenaciously over the five legs of the windward/leeward courses amidst the backdrops of Fisherman's Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, ORACLE BMW Racing was able to eke out a slender early lead. By the finish line USA-76 had extended their lead to record a 38-second victory and move to 2-0 up in the Owner/Driver series.

The second start of the day was almost a carbon copy of the first although a changing tidal situation called for different race tactics. With helmsman Gavin Brady on the helm for the Pro-Driver series taking over from Larry Ellison and an afterguard of CEO Chris Dickson and tactician John Kostecki, ORACLE BMW Racing positioned themselves well on the start line forcing Alinghi into an early clearing tack. USA-76 pulled into a two-boat-length lead and then kept a close watching brief over America's Cup winners Alinghi for the remainder of the race. The race was marked by some exciting tactical tacking duel and after five legs of great sailing, ORACLE BMW Racing came across the finish line with a 40-second advantage to move to 3-1 up in this best of seven Pro-Driver series. Racing continues tomorrow.

   Quotes from onboard USA-76

   "Today was tough both mentally and physically for everyone aboard USA-76.
   We're pleased to have been successful but racing against Alinghi you can
   never get too comfortable. They're a great team and deserve our respect."
   - Chris Dickson CEO ORACLE BMW Racing

   "There were times today when it seemed like we would be picking up extra
   crew-members from off Fisherman's Wharf. We were so close to the
   shoreline that our sails were almost scraping the Wharf! San Francisco is
   a great place to sail and I hope today the spectators in the bleachers
   enjoyed their ring-side view!" - Chris Dickson CEO ORACLE BMW Racing

   "It was physical out there. The legs are quite short and the intensity of
   the racing is so high that it's tough grinding in the middle of the boat.
   There is just so much action packed into such a short space of time."
   - Craig Monk, Grinder, ORACLE BMW Racing