Team New Zealand is leading the America’s Cup preliminary regatta after winning two races in Barcelona.
Although they only raced once, they earned two victories. The first win came on Saturday when they defeated the British team, Britannia. On Friday, their scheduled opponent, Luna Rossa from Italy, had to retire due to a technical issue, while the French team, Orient Express Racing, couldn’t start because of similar problems.
In their race against Britannia, New Zealand’s crew, led by Peter Burling, outmanoeuvred the British team from the start, forcing them off their foils and securing a 52-second victory. The second race against the French team was canceled due to technical difficulties on the French boat.
Currently, Team New Zealand has three points, putting them ahead of Luna Rossa and American Magic, who have two points each. Alinghi has one point, while Britannia and France have yet to score. Team New Zealand’s next races are scheduled against Alinghi and American Magic.
Blair Tuke, the team’s flight controller, expressed satisfaction with their performance but emphasised the importance of learning and improving with each race.
