After three straight losses to Alinghi, the Prada syndicate, in what many are describing as a strategic move, has conceded the quarterfinal win to the Swiss team. This concession vaults Alinghi straight to the semi finals, which begin Dec. 9, where theyll race the winner of the Oracle/OneWorld match up.
Prada will now face the winner of the Victory/Le Defi quarterfinal in the repachage which will begin Nov. 23. By bowing to the inevitable early, Prada gains valuable downtime that can be used for boat modifications. Another factor for the decision by Prada must have been the weather; the Hauraki Gulf forecast calls for winds as high as 30 knots Saturday.
