 BMW Oracle Racing (front) crosses the line as the race begins |
American team BMW Oracle Racing won the opening warm-up race for this year's 32nd America's Cup in Valencia, Spain. BMW Oracle overtook defending champion Alinghi late on to win the first fleet race of the Louis Vuitton Act 13.
Alinghi started from the back after being penalised for crossing the starting line early.
Team New Zealand, helmed by Britain's Ben Ainslie, finished fifth as light winds caused disarray and the postponement of the day's second race.
Grant Dalton of Team New Zealand said: "What we saw were some very polished teams.
"Only one thing is certain after today: there will be some big upsets before this is all over."
Louis Vuitton Act 13, race one result (Valencia):
1. BMW Oracle (US) 1 hour 25 minutes 41 seconds
2. Team Shosholoza (SA) at 3 minutes 34 seconds
3. Mascalzone Latino (Ita) +4:18
4. Alinghi (Swi) +5:04
5. Team New Zealand +5:16
6. United Internet Team Germany +5:33
7. Luna Rossa (Ita) +5:51
8. Desafio Espanol (Spa) +6:15
9. Areva (Fra) +9:26
10. +39 (Ita) +9:43
11. China Team +10:40
12. Victory Challenge (Swe) +20:32
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