America's Cup: We're looking good

By JULIE ASH


Grant Dalton could find little fault in the performance of his new afterguard in the opening day of the second America's Cup pre-regatta in Valencia.

Emirates Team New Zealand blitzed South Africa's Team Shosholoza by 2m 57s and then France's K-Yachting by an equally as dominant 1m 53s in tricky shifty, light conditions.

The races were the first hit-out for the syndicate's new look afterguard which includes British Finn Athens Olympics gold medallist Ben Ainslie, Americans Kevin Hall and Terry Hutchinson, and skipper Dean Barker.

"I thought they went nicely," the Team New Zealand boss said. "I thought the boat was sailed quite well today, although the opposition was weak."

Dalton was also pleased with the performance of NZL81, which prior to its arrival in Valencia had not been sailed since the 2003 Cup.

The opening day of the regatta was Valencia's first taste of America's Cup racing.

Ironically the weather conditions, which due to their general stability were one of the main reasons why Valencia succeeded in their bid to host the Cup, were a little on the light side and the air was extremely hazy.

Unlike the Hauraki Gulf, where islands and beaches make pleasant viewing from the race course, in Valencia rows of tan coloured buildings line the coastline while out to sea, the glistening clear water is all that can be seen.

The tow out to the course is also not quite as scenic as in Auckland.

A channel at least 2km long is the journey the teams must take until a new entrance is developed.

The journey is hardly inspiring. On one side sit several container ships and rows of containers while the other side is equally industrial with the odd cruise ship docked.

While few spectators ventured out to the course on the opening day, as it was a working day, some did stroll down to the waterfront to see the boats return.

Also on display at the waterfront is the Auld Mug itself. Perched high on a box alongside the Louis Vuitton Cup and under the watchful gaze of at least four guards, yachting's most sought after prize is there for all see.

As expected it was the big four, Alinghi, Oracle, Team New Zealand and Team Luna Rossa who came out firing on the first day.

Alinghi notched up big wins over +39 and Team Luna Rossa. Oracle beat +39 but suffered a surprise loss to Team Luna Rossa.

With Australian James Spithill at the helm, Team Luna Rossa powered over the startline a good half a boat length ahead of Oracle and never looked back winning by 58s.

The Italian syndicate now have Team New Zealand in their sights who they raced overnight.

While they may have been disappointed not to have come away with two wins on the opening day, Chris Dickson's Oracle BMW Racing syndicate did have some good news, announcing the addition of Swiss watchmaker Girard Perregaux to their sponsors.

In typical America's Cup style the announcement took place in Valencia on a rather large boat by the name of Christina O - Christina Onassis that is.

The boat or floating mansion was originally built for Greek billionaire Aristotle Onassis who named it after his daughter.

Oracle boss Larry Ellison leased the boat from its current owners for the Valencia regattas.