Yachting: Team NZ face toughest test so far

Emirates Team New Zealand have made a strong start to the America's Cup act four in Valencia but their first real test comes today against Team Luna Rossa.

Team NZ beat French syndicate K-Challenge by 50 seconds and Mascalzone Latino by 2m 27s on the regatta opening day.

Overnight they were scheduled to have raced Spain's Desafio Espanol and United Internet Germany - teams they should outmuscle.

Their first major hitout is likely to come today when they line up against Team Luna Rossa (formerly Prada) who along with Team NZ, Oracle and defenders Alinghi are regarded as the "big four".

Following on from their 2002-03 campaign, where they bowed out in the semifinals, Team Luna Rossa hired one of the best starting helmsman in the business, Australian James Spithill.

In last year's matchracing regatta in Valencia, Spithill showed his worth as the syndicate lost just three of their 11 starts.

The syndicates faced each other twice last year.

Spithill had the better of Dean Barker in the first race, which led the Italians to victory, but Barker got the edge in the second race which the New Zealanders won.

Team Luna Rossa have been based in Valencia for the longest of all the teams and could have a venue advantage over the Kiwis.

On the opening day, K-Challenge, racing former black boat NZL60, led the New Zealanders over the startline picking up a late shift.

Team New Zealand soon hauled their opponents in on the first upwind leg in the 9-11 knot easterly.

"In the light the boat that gets its nose in front can make life difficult for the other," Barker said.

"When K-Challenge got in front on leg one, we stayed close and took the opportunities when we could.

"We know FRA60 very well.

"We defended the cup with her in 2000 and don't need to be reminded that in a light breeze she takes some beating."

Team New Zealand had an easier race against Italy's Mascalzone Latino, leading by 8s at the first mark before storming down the first run to extend their lead by 49s to 1m 37s. They eventually crossed the line 2m 27s ahead.

Desafio Espanol got off to a strong start, beating the first German team to race in the cup, United Internet Team Germany.

The Spaniards later fell to Luna Rossa while the Germans bounced back to beat K-Challenge by 1m 2s.

Defenders Alinghi were far too strong for their opening day opponents trouncing Team China by 6m 48s and South Africa's Team Shosholoza by 3m 30s.

Alinghi navigator Juan Vila said his syndicate was happy to take the victories on what was a difficult day.

"Brad Butterworth and Jordi Calafat did a very good job on calling the shifts and the puffs it was a very tricky day with light breeze, which is always risky."

Another highlight of the opening day was the tight match between Oracle and Victory Challenge, which Oracle eventually won by 51s.

Oracle have made two sailing personnel changes since last year. US tactician John Kostecki has become the sailing director and long time Stars and Stripes navigator Peter Isler has joined the team for Acts 4 and 5 and is expected to take up a full-time role.

Opponents

Emirates Team New Zealand's next opponents in Act 4

Tonight: Luna Rossa (Italy), +39 (Italy)

Tomorrow night: Victory Challenge (Sweden), Team China (China)