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.