Semi-final showdown Oracle works for Dickson

Oracle-BMW Racing, skippered by Chris Dickson, made an impressive start in its attempt to reach the final of the Louis Vuitton Cup .

Dickson secured a 4min 8sec win over OneWorld, above, in the first race of the best-of-seven semi-final repechage from which either one of the last American entries will book their place against Swiss yacht Alinghi in the final. After a short delay on the Hauraki Gulf caused by a big wind shift, OneWorld's helmsman James Spithill took the initiative on the pre-start and had gained a 49sec lead by the first mark. It was not then until the second cross that OneWorld allowed Oracle to switch sides and make the gain which established the lead Dickson retained to the finish.

OneWorld narrowed the gap considerably after two tacking duels and was overlapping Oracle as they approached the last mark. On the final run to the finish, however, the two boats split with OneWorld going back towards the breeze which had lifted it on the previous leg. Oracle did not cover but Dickson held his nerve to win.