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America's Cup holders Alinghi set up a showdown with Team New Zealand in the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series after easily closing out the challenger final off Auckland today.
The Swiss, leading 1-0 against American syndicate Oracle Racing in the best-of-three challenger final after a nailbiting 1sec win yesterday, sailed away to a big 1min 7sec victory in race two.
However, the race ended in intrigue, with Alinghi, skippered by New Zealand tactician Brad Butterworth, flying a red flag on the run home.
Organisers said the Swiss were protesting over some aspect of the regatta format and a hearing would be held onshore.
Alinghi, with American Ed Baird at the helm, won the start of race two decisively.
Oracle, with skipper Russell Coutts steering and fellow New Zealander Hamish Pepper calling tactics, found themselves shut out in the final stages of the pre-start and saw their opponents cross the line at speed.
Alinghi moved out to a good lead over the opening beat and extended their cushion to over 200m on the first downwind leg.
In a steady breeze of about 15 knots, Oracle dropped further back over the final two legs and finished more than 300m behind.
The result meant Alinghi won all three races against Oracle during the regatta.
Alinghi meet Team NZ in a best-of-seven event final set down for tomorrow and Saturday.
The same two syndicates faced off in the last America's Cup final in Valencia in 2007, when Alinghi retained the Auld Mug with a 5-2 victory.
- NZPA
