Team New Zealand slip to second in Valencia

8.20am

Team New Zealand slipped to second behind Team Alinghi in a pre-America's Cup yachting regatta in Valencia, Spain yesterday.

Team Alinghi, holders of the Cup, put in two strong races to take a one-point series lead in the Valencia Louis Vuitton Act 3. Chris Dickson's BMW Oracle team also had two good performances with a second and third place finish.

The leaders at the beginning of the day, Emirates Team New Zealand, had a spectacular opening race and appeared to be running away with the series.

With some of its main rivals starting prematurely in the opening race on Friday, Emirates Team New Zealand streaked to its second victory for the regatta.

But in the second contest of the day, the New Zealanders were too aggressive at the start, and after re-starting correctly, Grant Dalton's team could only manage a sixth place finish.

The result leaves Team Alinghi one point clear at the top of the table.

Racing was initially postponed with the wind very shifty, despite being a full 12-14 knots.

Racing continues with two fleet races scheduled for Saturday.

Overall Results: Team Alinghi 27 points, Emirates Team NZ 26, BMW Racing Oracle 20, Luna Rossa 20, K-Challenge 17, Le Defi 14, and Shosholoza 12.

- NZPA