Italian boat takes 3-1 lead over U.S. entry

VALENCIA, SPAIN — Surprisingly strong Luna Rossa of Italy defeated United States entry BMW Oracle again Friday and leads their best-of-nine semifinal series, 3-1, in Louis Vuitton Cup sailing.

Emirates Team New Zealand also opened a 3-1 lead, defeating hometown favorite Desafio Espanol by 42 seconds.

The semifinal winners will meet in the Louis Vuitton Cup finals June 1-11, the winner advancing to sail against defending champion Alinghi of Switzerland for the America’s Cup.

Luna Rossa helmsman James Spithill had dominated BMW Oracle skipper Chris Dickson in the starting box through the first three races but Dickson held the favored right side Friday as the boats got off the line even.

Luna Rossa pushed out to a boat-length lead on the first leg when Dickson and his crew were distracted by a broken spreader dangling from above. The Italians, who have led around every marker in the series, rounded the first marker with a 13-second lead.

As Oracle’s Eric Doyle climbed the mast to take down the damaged spreader, Luna Rossa crossed ahead to the starboard side with a three boat-length lead, then held off a spirited attempt to catch up by the U.S. boat and won by 23 seconds.