Russell Coutts extended his winning streak in America's Cup matches to 11 races, and set a record in the regatta, after taking Alinghi to a 2-0 lead over Team New Zealand yesterday.
In the last cup three years ago, Coutts equalled Charlie Barr's record for nine consecutive wins, set after 3-0 whitewashes for the US defenders in 1899, 1901 and 1903.
Coutts would have beaten the record three years ago had he helmed the black boat in the final victory over Prada, but instead he handed the wheel to his understudy, Dean Barker.
After winning the cup in 1995 and defending it in 2000, Coutts has never lost a race in an America's Cup match.
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As Alinghi sailed around the cup course alone on Saturday there was little for the sailors on board to talk about, except golf.
Brad Butterworth, like Russell Coutts, is known to be mad on the game and could be heard debating the merits of Tiger tees, three woods and two irons.
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The disaster that struck Team New Zealand on Saturday did not dampen the enthusiasm of their supporters.
The team's base was inundated with messages of goodwill that night.
When the team turned up yesterday morning there were more than 1000 emails of encouragement.
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Red faces, not red socks. One charter company ready for a day at sea was set to go. The catering staff were primed, complete with "Loyal" tattoos.
Imagine the embarrassment when it was discovered that the boat had been chartered by Alinghi supporters.
nzherald.co.nz/americascup
Racing schedule and results
<i>Spinnaker run:</i> Winning run extends to 11
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