Yachting: Kiwis take match racing in Valencia

New Zealander Cameron Appleton and Team Aqua captured the match racing portion of the week-long regatta with a 9-1 record. Photo / Supplied

VALENCIA, Spain - New Zealand's Cameron Appleton and his Team Aqua have captured the match racing portion of the week-long RC 44 Valencia Cup regatta here.

The conditions earlier today off Malvarrosa Beach were again windy, marking the second day in a row of racing in 20-knot breezes.

Team Aqua enjoyed a 9-1 record over the regatta. They clinched the title with a victory over Russell Coutts and BMW ORACLE Racing in flight 13.

"She may be the oldest boat in the fleet, but I wouldn't trade her," said Appleton. "We had an all-around level day. Andrew Estcourt (main trimmer) and Jeff Brock (headsails) did a great job keeping us on the numbers, and the guys did a fantastic job handling the boat. Full credit to them."

One loss behind Team Aqua, Day 1 leader Terry Hutchinson and Artemis finished at 8-2 and tied with BMW ORACLE Racing for second place. Artemis won the tie-breaker by virtue of yesterday's head-to-head win.

Tonight (NZ time) is a scheduled practice day for the fleet racing portion of the RC 44 Valencia Cup, which starts Friday.

RC 44 VALENCIA CUP RESULTS

1. Team Aqua / Cameron Appleton (UAE) 9-1, 9 points
2. Artemis / Terry Hutchinson (SWE) 8-2, 8 points
3. BMW ORACLE Racing / Russell Coutts (USA) 8-2, 8 points
4. Team Sea Dubai / Markus Weiser (UAE) 6-4, 6 points
5. 17 / James Spithill (USA) 6-4, 6 points
6. Katusha / Paul Cayard (RUS) 5-5, 5 points
7. No Way Back / Ray Davies (NED) 5-5, 5 points
8. Ceeref / Rod Davis (SLO) 5-5, 3 points*
9. Islas Canarias Puerto Calero / José Maria Ponce (ESP) 2-8, 2 points
10. Mascalzone Latino Audi Team / Tommaso Chieffi (ITA) 1-9, 1 point
11. AEZ RC44 Sailing Team / Christian Binder (AUT) 0-10, 0 points
(* includes 2-point penalty deduction)