Desafio Espanol scored a narrow victory in the sixth race of Louis Vuitton Act 13. It was achieved under considerable pressure with the might of the defender, Alinghi, breathing down the necks of the Spanish team, but Karol Jablonski and his crew showed no signs of weakening to finish seven seconds ahead.
The Spanish started the second race well, but tried to sneak into second place at the windward mark in front of Luna Rossa. James Spithill, steering the Italian boat, had to take avoiding action and the Spanish were penalised.
They fouled the French team, Areva, while taking the penalty turn and had to perform another. They dropped to last and were forced to play catch-up. Alinghi had started dreadfully, but sailed conservatively and worked her way through the fleet, taking advantage of a tacking duel between BMW Oracle and Luna Rossa to slip into the lead, and their fourth victory in seven races put her well clear at the top of the overall points.