Yachting: Mixed results for Team NZ

There were mixed results for Team New Zealand on day five of the Louis Vuitton Trophy. Photo / Chris Cameron / ETNZ

There were mixed results for Team New Zealand on day five of the Louis Vuitton Trophy yachting regatta off Dubai today.

They lost a close first race to the Synergy Russian Sailing Team by 14 seconds but bounced back to win the second race against the Russians by 33s.

In race one, Team New Zealand initially gained a big advantage when the umpires awarded a penalty against the Russians in the pre-start, but the New Zealanders then botched the start and were just over the line. By the time they had re-started, Synergy were four boat lengths in front.

On a day when the leading boat benefitted from the breeze, Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker got tantalisingly close at times but not close enough to overtake the Russians.

An aggressive start to race two by Barker forced Synergy over the start line early and they had to restart.

Team New Zealand earned an immediate four boat-length lead, an advantage Barker defended and extended until the finish.

Standings after five days of racing:

(Team New Zealand and Artemis have one race to sail)

BMW Oracle Racing 9 points 1, Team New Zealand 4.5* 2, Artemis Sailing 4 3, Synergy Russian Sailing Team 4 4, ALL4ONE 4 5, Mascalzone Latino 2* 6.

* Scoring penalty deducted by umpires.

- NZPA