Blowing 'Em Away

After the wind finally came, a U.S. boat had a perfect start

THERE ARE worse places to be stranded with nothing to do than the Mediterranean coast. But after four days of no racing because of a lack of wind off Valencia, Spain, sailors on the 11 teams vying for the challenger's berth in the America's Cup—including Desafio Espa√±ol of Spain (top) and United Internet Team Germany (right)—grew restless. The competition finally commenced last Friday, when U.S. entry BMW Oracle Racing (below) won its first two races. On Sunday, Oracle beat Shosholoza of South Africa to go to 3--0 in the round-robin stage of the event that determines who will meet reigning Cup champion Alinghi of Switzerland this summer.

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VICTOR FRAILE/REUTERS

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KAI FORSTERLING/EPA

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JUAN CARLOS CARDENAS/EPA