I've watched the video of New Zealand almost going over and every time I see it I feel that the closeness of Oracle on the windward side may very well have helped keep New Zealand from going over by causing a wind shadow. Then again, I say no, Oracle was a bit behind and not shadowing but then, as New Zealand was going up and had stopped forward movement Oracle had pulled ahead and may have blocked quite a bit of wind.

The closeness of Oracle on the windward side causing a shadow has never been mentioned making me think it had no effect on the situation but I just can't get it out of my mind.

Anyone have any thoughts?