Just two of the four scheduled races went ahead with light winds proving for a challenging day on the water. Photo: supplied
Team New Zealand are first equal in the standings following the first day of racing at the America's Cup preliminary regatta in Vilanova.
Just two of the four scheduled races went ahead with light winds proving for a challenging day on the water.
In the second race of the day, Team New Zealand almost certainly looked like they were sailing for second place.
However, a smart tack at the left boundary brought them into the layline and this time there was no pinching as the starboard marker approached.
The Kiwis rounded smoothly some 1200 metres behind Alinghi Red Bull Racing who had navigated three-quarters of the leg, playing every zephyr of a dying breeze and sailing to their first win of the 37th America's Cup.
Helmsman Peter Burling was satisfied in what was a "Super tricky day, right at the bottom end of the wind strength. "
"We misjudged some of where the wind shadows were in and obviously were out the back, but I feel we did a really good job just being patient and taking the opportunity when there was enough wind to get up and going."
In race one, Team New Zealand were caught short on their time-on-distance out at the starboard end of the line, but along with Britannia, managed to eke across the line a good 25 seconds down
"In the first race it was a real shame to drop off the foils at that first top mark after a really good first leg which was close with four teams."
He said the team has been working hard and continuing to improve in the light air performance
"So really happy to salvage a 3rd place in the first race."
Day one was abandoned after a storm hit the Spanish coast.
