Normally in match racing, "hunting" is legal. That is, RRS 16.2 (the "anti-hunting" rule) is deleted by rule C2.5. Match racing is intedend to be a game of tactics, so closer interactions are permitted than in fleet racing.

However, I heard one of the commentators say something about rule 16 changes in the sailing instructions to give a port-tack boat more room to avoid a starboard boat, so I presume that "other restrictions apply". It may be that Alinghi would not be permitted to bear down on BMWO in a crossing. Not knowing all the rules in place, I can't say.

I understand that James Spithill is an experienced match racer. Russell Coutts was also on board for race 2. Alinghi had Brad Butterworth as tactician. Those guys presumably understand match racing far better than we do. Nevertheless, both teams made some pretty basic mistakes. BMWO, after charging down Alinghi in the first start, and masterfully drawing a foul, stalled and got stuck in irons. BMWO also didn't cover Alinghi in race 2. When the wind shifted and filled in on the right, BMWO saw her lead evaporate. Alinghi made serious errors in both prestart sequences. There's simply no excuse for her being out of the box in the second start. She messed up her first finish as well. I also believe Alinghi could have tried to draw an offsetting penalty at the close crossing in race 2.

All Alinghi needed to do was slow down a bit so that the boats were on a collision course (which is legal even under fleet racing rules). BMWO would need to either tack, slow down herself, or take a big duck. If she tacked, Alinghi could drive her off the course. If she slowed, Alinghi could simply pace her. If BMWO ducked, she risked missing the layline. If BMWO didn't keep clear, at least Alinghi's penalty would be cancelled.

I suspect BMWO could have slowed, ducked Alinghi, and still made the windward mark. From the Virtual Eye track, James Spithill appeared able to steer a course several boatlengths above the weather mark after the cross. Had he done so, then Alinghi would have been left having to tack when moving slow. That would have been even worse than crossing was for Alinghi, but I still think she should have tried.

My overall impression of both races was that the BMWO crew sailed their boat nearer to its potential than Alinghi's team did. In some situations, BMWO's boat was simply faster, but in others, I think the race could have been a lot closer.

Those are just my observations from the armchair - worth what you paid for them. It was fantastic to watch those amazing boats sail and I wish I could do half as well.

Regards,
Eric