Watch the replay(2:13:00 to 2:17:10). It was close. Maybe they didn't have the room. They were closing at 18-20 knots. It took Alinghi 20 seconds to tack, and longer to get up to speed (their fastest tack of the two races btw), they had a 104 meter lead when they crossed. Comments suggested at least 3 boat lengths to tack. I don't know Timbo, I don't do alot of match racing. . .