That makes two

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Second victory Saturday for Team New Zealand, followed by a throng of delirious New Zealand supporters, watching on the giant screens of the village, celebrating at each passing of a line or buoy by their favorite team! It should be said today that today’s victory was a beautiful one.

Between 12 and 14 knots of wind and a bit of chop, strong sunshine and a beautiful blue sea, the Kiwis played the game "comfortably". During a hotly contested and aggressive start, Emirates Team New Zealand, hunted by Prada a minute before the start, was protested, but the jury boat sent up the green and white checkered flag….no penalty! This didn’t stop Dean Barker from crossing the start line in the lead, quickly leaving the Italians a boat length behind. The spread increased throughout the rest of the regatta. Like yesterday, but with much more of a comfortable lead, Barker led the game. 22 seconds at the first mark, 35 at the second, 33 at the 3rd … finally the Kiwis bow crossed the finish line 38 seconds before the Italians with 180m spread. At ease and self confident…impressive!

“For me, the Kiwis have found something. They hardly lose anything when they make their tacks, they are very fast upwind. It seems they have a mainsail with more sail area… Today, Dean Barker had a healthy lead all during the regatta. Prada played the game of trying to stick like glue on the heels of the Kiwis but you could see they had a hard time doing so. After the Victories of Prada against Oracle, I thought the regattas would be closer. Well, it’s not over yet. But on a psychological level, Kiwis are ahead in the series 2-0, that clearly gives them a mental edge." Wearn Haw Taw, China Team navigator

Emirates Team New Zealand	2
Luna Rossa Challenge	0