 Swiss boat Alinghi races against Desafio Espanol |
America's Cup holders Alinghi sent their rivals a warning with victory in the second and third preliminary heats for the Louis Vuitton Cup in Valencia. In blustery conditions, the Swiss team led throughout to win the first race and edged a close finish to the second.
Team New Zealand, with Briton Ben Ainslie again at the helm, managed third and fourth-place finishes.
Thursday's final heat of the Louis Vuitton heats - called the Act 13 - was cancelled because of poor weather.
The eventual winner of the Louis Vuitton series goes on to challenge Alinghi for the America's Cup over a nine-race series in June.
With Switzerland being landlocked, Spain will host Alinghi's defence of the title won four years ago in New Zealand.
Louis Vuitton Act 13 standings (Valencia):
1. Alinghi (Swi) 33 points
2. BMW Oracle (USA) 27
3. Team New Zealand (NZ) 27
4. Desafio Espanol (Spa) 26
5. Luna Rossa (Ita) 25
6. Mascalzone Latino (Ita) 25
7. Shosholoza (SA) 19
8. UIT Germany (Ger) 15
9. Areva (Fra) 12
10. Victory Challenge (Swe) 10
11. +39 (Ita) 9
12. China Team (Chn) 7
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