After two matches in each of the Congressional Cup semi-finals, Poole USA leads Tapper AUS 2-0, and Monnin SUI leads Hood USA 2-0.
Chris Poole chose to face Cole Tapper and his Sydney-based team in their semi-final pairing. The two skippers delivered an action-packed start, with Tapper incurring multiple red-flag penalties in the pre-start that forced him behind off the start. But the young Australian team stayed composed, closing the gap all the way around the course.
In the second semi-final match, Eric Monnin and Dave Hood traded close quarters in both of their races, but the Swiss skipper and his Capvis Swiss Match Racing Team – known to favour the light airs – found their stride as the breeze faded, securing a second win and finishing the day with a commanding 2-0 lead.
Light airs and overcast conditions brought high-stakes racing to the penultimate day of the 60th Congressional Cup in Long Beach as the final four teams advanced to the semi-finals.
Racing continues Sunday with the conclusion of the semi-finals, with the finals to follow for the coveted Crimson Blazer.
Semi-Final Teams:
Chris Poole / Riptide Racing (USA)
crew: Joachim Aschenbrenner, Ben Lamb, Mal Parker, Rob Scivenor, Harry West
Cole Tapper / CYCA (AUS)
crew: Jack Frewin, Max Brennan, Hamish Vass, Nathan Gulliksen, George Richardson
Eric Monnin / Capvis Swiss Match Racing (SUI)
crew: Ute Monnin Wagner, Mathieu Renault, Jean-Claude Monnin, Simon Brügger, Julien Falxa, Maxime Mesn
Dave Hood / DH3 Racing (USA)
crew: Ted Hackney, Chris Main, Ricky McGarvie, Steve Natvig, Chris Steele.
