Team NZ go down to Italians

11.00am

Team New Zealand lost their unbeaten record at the America's Cup yachting venue of Valencia today, going down to Italian syndicate Luna Rossa in their only race of the day.

On the second day of a pre-cup regatta at the Spanish city, competition was affected by light and shifty conditions, which delayed the start of sailing by almost four hours.

With temperatures in the mid-20s deg C throughout the afternoon, race officials waited for the promised sea breeze to build.

Team New Zealand, who beat South Africa's Team Shosholoza and French syndicate K-Challenge yesterday, finally got going against Luna Rossa just before 5pm local time.

In six to seven knots of breeze, the Italians led from the opening gun to win by 57sec.

The result left Team NZ second equal on the points table, behind cup holders Alinghi, who have won all three races so far.

NZL81 skipper Dean Barker admitted that losing the start by 8sec was a key factor against Luna Rossa.

"We made up some distance early on the first beat, then they slipped out to about three lengths towards the top," he said.

"We had a reasonably good run and grabbed at the few slim opportunities presented and closed in a couple of times, but Luna Rossa, covering all the way, did a good job shutting us out."

Barker said the lesson learnt was that a good start was needed in light conditions on a short course, as passing opportunities were rare.

Team NZ managing director Grant Dalton said that, while Alinghi and American syndicate Oracle had attracted much of the attention, Luna Rossa had been preparing quietly in Valencia for six months.

"They're looking sharp and the boat has been well prepared," he said.

"They gave Oracle a fright yesterday and beat them by almost a minute."

In other races today, Alinghi beat K-Challenge, Oracle beat Shosholoza and French syndicate Le Defi beat Italian rivals +39 Challenge.

Standings after three races: Alinghi, 3 wins; Team New Zealand, Oracle, Luna Rossa, Le Defi, 2; K-Challenge, 1; +39, Shosholoza, 0.

- NZPA