Yachting: Team NZ lose to Alinghi but beat China

Successive sail problems couldn't stop Emirates Team New Zealand from dispatching China in their pre-America's Cup regatta race in Sicily today but cost them a large loss against Swiss cup holders Alinghi in the day's other race.

On a dark day with gusty winds off Trapani, Team New Zealand came home 35 seconds ahead of China Team.

But it was not plain sailing for the New Zealanders after NZL 82 accelerated faster off the line, leaving China in its wake.

A small hole appeared in the mainsail and a sailor had to be sent up the mast to deal with it before New Zealand completed a relatively comfortable victory.

In the day's second, and the competition's ninth, race, both Team New Zealand and Alinghi were late at the start line but the Swiss accelerated faster and led the black boat off by more than a boatlength.

New Zealander skipper Dean Barker rolled into a down-speed tack after starting and a short tacking duel followed, but Alinghi's Ed Baird maintained the early advantage to lead around the first mark by 28 seconds.

After New Zealand's spinnaker caught the water just as they were exiting the second mark the team had to jettison the sail over the side.

Alinghi sailed away to a commanding 1min 43sec victory.

With another victory today over South Africa's Team Shosholoza, Alinghi remains top of the standings with nine wins from nine races.

Team New Zealand lies fourth with seven wins, behind second-placed American team BMW Oracle and Italy's Luna Rossa.

- NZPA