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US Wins Back America's Cup

After 15-year drought, Eliison's BWM Oracle trimaran defeats Swiss Alonghi

By the Associated Press

Posted Feb 14, 2010 1:21 PM CST

(AP) – Larry Ellison's space-age trimaran BMW Oracle won back the America's Cup for the United States by speeding across the Mediterranean and routing two-time defending champ Alinghi of Switzerland in a two-race sweep. The 65-year-old software tycoon was onboard his incredibly fast craft today, after sitting out Race 1 due to a weight limit. His victory over rival Ernesto Bertarelli sends the oldest trophy in international sports to San Francisco's Golden Gate Yacht Club.

The two billionaires have been locked in a tumultuous legal fight for 2 1/2 years, and it looked for a while like the result of this race was going to be contested off the water. Alinghi raised a red protest flag during Race 2, but dropped the protest after the race, confirming Ellison's win. The America's Cup has been away from US shores for 15 years, the longest drought since America won the silver trophy by beating a fleet of British ships around the Isle of Wight in 1851.

American BMW Oracle helmsman's James Spithill reacts after winning the 33rd America's Cup against Alinghi off Valencia, Spain, on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010.
American BMW Oracle helmsman's James Spithill reacts after winning the 33rd America's Cup against Alinghi off Valencia, Spain, on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010.   (Victor R. Caivano)
American challenger BMW Oracle BOR 90, left, sails during the second race of the 33rd America's Cup against Swiss defender Alinghi 5, no picture, of Valencia, Spain, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010. American BMW Oracle BOR 90 won the first race of the 33rd America's Cup against Swiss defender Alinghi.
American challenger BMW Oracle BOR 90, left, sails during the second race of the 33rd America's Cup against Swiss defender Alinghi 5, no picture, of Valencia, Spain, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010. American...   (ALBERTO SAIZ)
Alinghi's owner Ernesto Bertarelli steers the Alinghi 5 as they wait for the start of race 2 of the 33rd America's Cup against American BMW Oracle BOR 90 in Valencia, Spain, on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010.
Alinghi's owner Ernesto Bertarelli steers the Alinghi 5 as they wait for the start of race 2 of the 33rd America's Cup against American BMW Oracle BOR 90 in Valencia, Spain, on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010.   (Victor R. Caivano)
American BMW Oracle BOR 90, left, sails pass the Alinghi 5 as they wait for the start of race 2 of the 33rd America's Cup in Valencia, Spain, on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010.
American BMW Oracle BOR 90, left, sails pass the Alinghi 5 as they wait for the start of race 2 of the 33rd America's Cup in Valencia, Spain, on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010.   (Victor R. Caivano)
BMW Oracle Racing owner Larry Ellison, center, waits with the crew as they wait for the start of race 2 of the 33rd America's Cup against Alinghi 5 in Valencia, Spain, on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010.
BMW Oracle Racing owner Larry Ellison, center, waits with the crew as they wait for the start of race 2 of the 33rd America's Cup against Alinghi 5 in Valencia, Spain, on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010.   (Victor R. Caivano)
BMW Oracle Racing owner Larry Ellison, center, waits with the crew as they wait for the start of race 2 of the 33rd America's Cup against Alinghi 5 in Valencia, Spain, on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010.
BMW Oracle Racing owner Larry Ellison, center, waits with the crew as they wait for the start of race 2 of the 33rd America's Cup against Alinghi 5 in Valencia, Spain, on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010.   (Victor R. Caivano)
American BMW Oracle BOR 90 sails as they wait for the start of race 2 of the 33rd America's Cup against Swiss defender Alinghi 5 in Valencia, Spain, on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010.
American BMW Oracle BOR 90 sails as they wait for the start of race 2 of the 33rd America's Cup against Swiss defender Alinghi 5 in Valencia, Spain, on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010.   (Victor R. Caivano)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
bewilderbeast
Feb 15, 2010 10:52 AM CST
100+ years, yes, but most of those years have been unedifying. If you want to know about unsportsmanlike behaviour, read the history of The America's Cup. It's all about money, egos and rich brats. There's MUCH better sailing to follow than this.
T-MAN
Feb 15, 2010 2:10 AM CST
It's all about EGO
T-MAN
Feb 15, 2010 2:08 AM CST
Excellent

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Larry Ellison • America's Cup • sailing • Alinghi • BMW Oracle • trimaran • Ernesto Bertarelli

 
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