Yachting: Team NZ down Germans in rough weather

Team New Zealand easily accounted for Team Germany in their only race today as rough weather hit the latest pre-America's Cup yachting regatta in Italy.

Team NZ won by 1min 51s at Trapani in Sicily to lie fourth equal among the 10 syndicates after the second day of Louis Vuitton Act 8.

Their contest with the Germans was delayed for two hours when conditions forced officials to move the course to the shelter of local islands.

When racing finally got under way in 20-knot winds and 1.8m to 2m swells, NZL82 won the start and moved out to a 42-second lead at the first mark.

The Dean Barker-helmed crew increased their margin at each subsequent leg.

With winds reaching 27 knots and several boats having gear damage, officials called off the second round of races scheduled for today.

The regatta involves six days of match racing, and Swiss America's Cup holders Alinghi, BMW Oracle (United States) and Luna Rossa (Italy) head the standings with three wins each.

Team NZ, who have two wins, will be up against Mascalzone Latino (Italy) and BMW Oracle tomorrow, with similar weather being forecast.

The final pre-America's Cup regatta of the year, Louis Vuitton Act 9, begins at Trapani next weekend and involves two days of fleet racing.

- NZPA