Light wind snuffs out first race in historic America's Cup
Light wind snuffs out first race in historic America's Cup
AUCKLAND (Reuters): The first race in an historic America's Cup match between holders Team New Zealand and Italy's Prada Challenge was cancelled on Saturday because there was not enough wind, regatta officials said.
The cancellation came as an anti-climax after an intense build-up to the Cup, which is being contested without an American boat for the first time in the event's 149-year history.
Regatta officials said more bad news might be in store on Sunday, with light conditions forecast again for the second scheduled race day in the first-to-five series.
"Tomorrow is forecast for light winds again from the east...it's not looking that flash," race director Harold Bennett told reporters.
Nine race days are scheduled up to March 4, with three reserve days set aside after that in case of cancellations.
The wind in the Hauraki Gulf wafted between four and five knots, far too light to complete the 18.5 nautical mile race within specified time limits.
New Zealand are attempting to become the first non-American boat to successfully defend the America's Cup.
The New Zealanders won the Cup off San Diego in 1995 to become only the second non-American boat after Australia II in 1983 to win one of the oldest trophies in international sport.
Hundreds of New Zealanders lined the Auckland foreshore to wish their black-hulled boat well earlier on Saturday. Police said about 2,000 spectator boats lined the course.
"It is very frustrating but we have waited this long, one more day doesn't make any difference," Team New Zealand tactician Brad Butterworth said in a statement.
Prada won the Louis Vuitton Cup challenger eliminations two weeks ago, beating Paul Cayard's AmericaOne 5-4 in an exciting finals series. No European boat has ever won the America's Cup.
Saturday's first race was greatly anticipated because it had been hoped it would provide the first clues about which team had the superior boat.
"I'm pretty much in the know and we have no idea," Cayard told Television New Zealand. "We won't know until they race."
While Prada contested 48 races during the Louis Vuitton Cup, the New Zealanders are yet to be tested in race conditions.
The two multi-million dollar yachts are built within general International America's Cup Class specifications but have some significant design differences in their keels, sails and riggings.
It has generally been thought that Prada would be better in light conditions and the New Zealanders would prosper in heavier weather of 15 knots and above.