Yachting: Collision leaves Team NZ waiting

Team NZ lost their only race in Italy today, going down by 13 seconds to Luna Rossa. Photo / Chris Cameron, ETNZ

Team New Zealand again had to bide their time today as the Louis Vuitton Trophy yachting regatta in Italy was hit by a collision that damaged two of the four boats being used.

In a match racing event already affected by uncooperative weather, Team NZ were able to sail only one of their three scheduled races off La Maddalena, near Sardinia, losing to Italians Luna Rossa.

The result left skipper Dean Barker and his crew with a 1-1 win-loss record after four days of the preliminary round-robin phase.

The collision occurred late in the pre-start manoeuvres between French team Aleph and Italians Azzurra, who were in boats provided by America's Cup holders Oracle Racing.

No one was injured, but the bow of the boat Aleph was using, USA98, was knocked almost right off, while the aft starboard quarter of USA87 was smashed in.

Aleph issued a statement apologising for the collision and the damage, which was being assessed by Oracle's boatbuilders and technical experts.

LV Trophy spokesman Bruno Trouble said the incident was unfortunate but would not threaten the regatta, which would continue in the two other boats, which are provided by hosts Mascalzone Latino.

Conditions today were described as perfect, with a 12-14 knot breeze and flat seas.

The start of Team NZ-Luna Rossa match was further delayed while a damaged mainsail was replaced on the boat the New Zealanders were sailing.

Barker came off the line at speed, but American opposite Ed Baird on Luna Rossa claimed the lead in shifty conditions up the first beat.

Team NZ kept things close and worked at creating opportunities, but their opponents stayed in front to win by 13 seconds.

Sweden's Artemis head the 10-strong fleet with a 100 per cent record after three races.

Team NZ are sixth equal, but have sailed fewer races than any other crew except for Russians Synergy, who are 2-0 and are one of four teams equal second on the leaderboard with two wins.

- NZPA