 Team New Zealand took an early lead and won going away |
Team New Zealand beat Luna Rossa of Italy to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-nine Louis Vuitton Cup final in Valencia on Saturday. The Kiwis gave up their right-hand advantage at the start but used a long tacking duel up the first lap to open up a decisive three boat-length lead.
They then matched the Italian boat's every move to win by 40 seconds.
The eventual winner races defending champion Alinghi in the America's Cup, which begins on June 23.
"The turning point was the start," Luna Rossa navigator Michele Ivaldi said. "We wanted to get the right more strongly than yesterday, but Team New Zealand made us pay."
The Italians were forced to tack away as they approached the line with too much speed, and as a result the Kiwis started quicker and soon had a decisive lead.
"The conditions today made it harder for the boat behind," said Team New Zealand's Adam Beaschel.
"Days like this definitely make it more intense in the starting box. They (Luna Rossa) kept it as close as they could."
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