America's Cup Race 1 & 2

Race One

With stern faces ETNZ took to the waters in ValNZcia cheered on by the many kiwi supports with our flags rippling in the wind of about 10 knotts.

Having won the coin toss we opted for the starboard advantage which Barker defended brilliently willing the start as both boats headed upwind thru the first leg with ETNZ taking an early lead from the start, then disater struck as the wind shifts and pressure dropped and shifted over to Alinghi whom bounced back and took a convincing lead and forced a tacking dual up to the top mark. Rounding the first mark closely behind Alinghi, however the second downwind leg just put Alinghi further ahead increasing their lead and finishing the race a full 35 seconds ahead of the kiwi's.

Race Two

Barker again won the start well and headed up the first leg rounding the top mark behind Alinghi and then again on the bottom marker. Then the decisive moment occured when ETNZ continuing to place the pressure, Alinghi made their one and only mistake and Barker was right there to take advantage and get our bow in front and round the top marker in the lead with a fantastic hoist and sails set before Alinghi rounded the mark we took gain and flew out to demand a well earned first win for New Zealand

The Score is even with one win a piece.

No racing tonight, stay tuned.