11.45am
The America's Cup regatta is unlikely to be stalled due to lack of wind today as the breeze is expected to approach 20 knots.
Race 5 of the best-of-nine series was postponed yesterday when an afternoon sea breeze failed to materialise. As the wind barely reached 5-6 knots, the race committee at first delayed, then abandoned any attempt to begin racing.
A wind warning is in effect today for the Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf. The forecast is for northeasterlies of 13–17 knots, increasing to 21 knots, with slight seas building to moderate in the afternoon.
Such conditions will test the reliability of the New Zealand boat, NZL82, which has only completed two of its four races so far. In race four, the boat was dismasted while pounding to windward in 20-25 knots. She is now fitted with the rig from the team's backup boat, NZL81.
Team New Zealand must win today to keep the series going, as they trail the Swiss challenger Alinghi 4-0.
A win for the Swiss boat would mean the America's Cup will go to Europe for the first time in its 152-year history.
Continuous coverage of today's America's Cup race will begin on nzherald.co.nz at 12.30pm.
Race 4: Pictures of the dismasting | Commentary
nzherald.co.nz/americascup
Racing schedule and results
Wind and sea could test boats today
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