Victory NZ

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Emirate Team New Zealand wins the first regatta of the Louis Vuitton Cup. A close regatta, with the teams practically continuously in contact, but Dean Barker leads on all four legs. The two teams each started well, the Kiwis crossed the line with a one second head start over their adversary, wanting the right side and taking it. They lead by 12 seconds at the first mark but the spread never exceeded two boat lengths. The two finalists sailed perfectly and despite the attempts by Spithill to put pressure on Barker, the Kiwis crossed the finish line 8 seconds in front of the Italians. More racing tomorrow!

“It was a very impressive match, because the race lasted an hour and a half and there was never more than a 65 meter separation between the two. The New Zealand team won by a half a boat length, which is really very little. I was also impressed to see how the two teams managed under pressure. There is a lot to learn from these races.” Wearn Haw Taw, navigator China Team.

Emirates Team New Zealand	1
Luna Rossa Challenge	0

Fdb/Lh-Valencia, Ist of June 2007