Dubai: Two come-from-behind victories boosted the fortunes of Italy's Mascalzone Latino Audi at the Louis Vuitton Trophy Dubai yesterday.
Racing in a light northerly breeze on a soft, late autumn day, Kiwi skipper Gavin Brady guided the Italian team to a comfortable victory against Sweden's Artemis Racing after overtaking them a few minutes into the first beat.
Brady's second match proved tougher after he conceded a start to the Synergy Russian Sailing team and then fought for more than half the race to gain the upperhand.
Their performance yesterday lifted Mascalzone Latino Audi, the challenger of record for the next America's Cup, from a distant fifth-equal place to third.
The Italian team is only half-a-point away from overtaking second-placed Emirates Team New Zealand which lost yesterday after botching a spinnaker takedown and flying the giant sail like a flag from the top of their mast.
Close to shore
Hosted by the Dubai International Marine Club, the 14-day-long regatta is being sailed close to the shore in waters between the Palm Jumeirah and the southern entrance to Dubai Creek.
It was the penultimate day of the second round robin with each win worth two points and any penalties carrying a two point deduction.
