4.30pm
The Seattle-based OneWorld team today beat Team Dennis Conner by 1min 21sec in one of only two Louis Vuitton Cup races to survive the calm conditions on the Hauraki Gulf.
At the start of races a southeast breeze of eight to 10 knots was recorded. But during racing it eased off, at times almost disappearing, and swung around many points of the compass, including north, northeast, and southwest.
Only one of the two race courses could be used in the still weather, allowing only two of the four scheduled races to get under way.
Conner's boat Stars and Stripes appeared to catch a slowing OneWorld on the second leg, but sailed into the same almost windless spot.
At the second mark the Seattle team's boat was only 16sec ahead, down from 1min 57sec at the first mark.
OneWorld increased their lead as the race ground slowly on, to be 4min 35sec ahead at the fifth mark, but Stars and Stripes managed to cut that deficit by more than 3min at the finish.
Organisers said the races postponed from today would now be held at the end of the first round robin series. Those matches are the San Francisco-based Oracle BMW Racing team against Sweden's Victory Challenge, and the Italian derby between Prada and Mascalzone Latino.
Winds: Light and variable
Winning margin: 01.21
- NZPA
nzherald.co.nz/americascup
Racing schedule, results and standings
OneWorld wins against Conner
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