Team New Zealand finish third in pre-cup regatta

6.00pm

Team New Zealand has finished the pre-America's Cup yachting regatta in southern France in third place, with BMW Oracle Racing claiming the top spot.

In the first pre-cup regatta in Marseille, Team New Zealand finished with 42 points, current cup holders Alinghi were two points ahead in second, while BMW Oracle claimed line honours with 46 points.

On the final day of the 10-day competition, Team New Zealand beat the French syndicate K-Challenge.

The final race was between BMW Oracle and Alinghi, with the Swiss syndicate and cup-holders winning after a slow start.

At the windward mark Alinghi rounded 20 seconds in front and remained in control for the remainder of the race to eventually win by 15 seconds.

- NZPA