Yachting: Team NZ confident despite mixed day

Emirates Team NZ lie in a share of second place, one point off leaders Quantum Racing, in the Barcelona regatta. Photo / Chris Cameron

Team New Zealand believe that they have a solid platform to launch from despite a mixed first day of racing as the third of this year's MedCup series fired up after a 24-hour delay.

The Kiwi syndicate lie in a share of second place, one point off leaders Quantum Racing, heading in to the third day of the Barcelona regatta.

While they are comfortably placed, there is still plenty of room for improvement for Emirates Team New Zealand, who recorded a fifth and seventh placing in the last two races of the day, after winning the first.

But tactician Ray Davies said while they like to average better than a mid-fleet finish, the results must be put in perspective. The lumpy seaway made conditions difficult for the 11-strong fleet, and Davies said to be sitting in second place after such a tough day on the water was a satisfying result.

"We had a good day today, one point off the lead at the end of the day. We'll take that any time," said Davies.

Crews are looking for consistency in this regatta and the day's results showed just how difficult that can be. Cristabella, second in the first race and first in the second, slumped to 11th in the third. Luna Rossa won race three, following disappointing 9th and 11th places. For skipper Dean Barker a better showing on the first day was a welcome change from the forgettable opening days in their past two events.

"One point off the lead - we're right amongst it, so we're pretty happy with that."

With one race day lost through lack of wind, the race committee has dropped the coastal race from day three of the programme and instead look to push through a further three races.

STANDINGS
1. Quantum Racing (USA), 5+5+2= 12 points
2. Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL), 1+4+8= 13
3. Artemis (SWE), 7+2+4= 13
4. Bribon (ESP), 3+3+7= 13
5. Cristabella (GBR), 2+1+11= 14
6. TeamOrigin (GBR), 10+6+3= 19
7. Luna Rossa (ITA), 9+11+1= 21
8. Matador (ARG), 4+9+9= 22
9. Synergy (RUS), 6+10+6= 22
10. Audi A1 powered by ALL4ONE (FRA/GER), 12(DNC)+8+5= 25
11. Bigamist 7 (POR), 8+7+10= 25