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Alinghi's SUI100 appeared to have a speed edge over NZL92 downwind in the opening race of the America's Cup match.
With much being made of the boat speed of Alinghi's race boat, the first 10 minutes of the opening race was always going be a nervous one for Team New Zealand fans.
Leading up to the match, it was being suggested that the Swiss boat would be quicker than Team New Zealand upwind by as much as 12-15 seconds.
Alinghi skipper Brad Butterworth was even reported saying he thought SUI100 was half a generation ahead of NZL92.
Initially, it looked good for Team New Zealand and NZL92, who secured the favoured right-hand side at the start and managed to stay with Alinghi on a drag race out to the left.
The Kiwis held an early lead up beat, but their time in front was short-lived, as Alinghi latched on to some better breeze up the left. Ahead at the first cross, the Swiss were then in a position of control, which was always going to be the crucial issue in the match.
While the breeze didn't differ significantly over the course, Alinghi managed to position themselves in the better pressure, which was a contributing factor in their success.
However, there was no denying that the Swiss boat wasn't lacking in pace upwind and particularly downwind.
The moderate conditions suited its rounder and fuller hull shape.
Victory Challenge skipper Magnus Holmberg said it definitely looked as though the Swiss were quicker downwind in the moderate and extremely lumpy conditions.
"Which is a surprise - I thought Team New Zealand would be quicker," Holmberg said. "Maybe the waves were in Alinghi's favour."
Both boats showed plenty of acceleration out of tacks.
Before race one, the measurement committee had released yet another series of interpretations on the use of running backstays on the boats.
Alinghi have asked a series of questions relating to their use of their backstays, which are set up slightly differently from Team New Zealand's.
The measurement committee again made it clear that Alinghi could not use their backstays as they wanted to.
