Alinghi set up match point by win over New Zealand

Alinghi are only one win away from victory in the America's Cup. Today in light winds of 8-10 knots, they came from behind for the second time in two days to claim the race.

Alinghi two Team New Zealand two, its going to be a thriller

After four days of intense racing honours are even here in Valencia. Wednesday's racing was the first under "normal" conditions, where a stable wind of 9-11 knots enabled the two teams to take part in a fair test of technology and seamanship. Alinghi made the best start and were able to hold off Team New Zealand throught out the rest of the race. The interesting point came two minutes after the end of the match, when Principal Race Officer Peter Reggio called the two teams on his VHF radio and asked them to carry out a specific operation. They were asked to pull down their main sail, without having someone up the mast to assist. Team New Zealand did this without a fuss but there is some debate to what happened on Alinghi, it appeared that a man was sent up the mast to aid. An official protest was made by Team New Zealand and is being held as I write 13:00 Thursday. The international rules committee has wide ranging powers but it is not known when the results will be known.

Honours even after day two of racing

Alinghi convincingly won the first race in the America's Cup, surprisingly to most experts Team New Zealand took the second race to even the score. The winner of the Cup is the first team to win five victories. Here in Valencia there was are real buzz and sense of relief as New Zealand's victory has saved the interest in the America's Cup. Not since 1992 has a 5-0 result been avoided. Traditionally the Cup is a technology contest, with the best designed fastest boat always wins. This time although most expects believe that Alinghi is the fastest boat, its only slightly faster meaning that the slightest error can be capatilised on. The second race on sunday24th June, Alinghi took control early on and it looked like they were heading for a comfortable victory. Perhaps due to a lack of attention or overconfidence Alinghi left the door open allowing the skilful New Zealanders to pass and remain in front, finally crossing the finish line more than 100 metres ahead.
Racing resumes Tuesday 26th with light winds predicted which could play into the hands of TNZ

Alinghi name the helmsman and both teams ready for action

Alinghi announced on Friday 22 June that Ed Baird will be the helmsman for the races of the 32nd Americas Cup taking place in Valencia Spain. After years of testing and development the whole world will see if the latest Alinghi boat SUI 100 is as good as the rumours suggest. Racing starts Saturday 23rd June and the first team to record five victories gets to be the guardian of sportings oldest trophey. They will have the rights to decide the format, venue and timing, so billions of CHF's are at stake.

Americas Cup starts 23rd June

The 32nd America's Cup gets under way on Saturday 23rd June , just off the coast in Valencia, Spain. The Challenger, Emirates team New Zealand will take on the cup's Defender, Alinghi, which is representing La Société Nautique de Genève. There will be one race per day until the first team wins five races. They will be handed the America's Cup and will be able the timing and the choice of venue for their defence, Billions of CHF's will be at stake over the next few days so some tension is to be expected.

Emirates Team New Zealand win the Louis Vuitton Cup

Emirates Team New Zealand (TNZ) will take on Alinghi in the 32nd America's Cup which starts on the 23rd June in Valencia Spain. After beating Luna Rossa by a convincing five wins to Zero in the final of the Louis Vuitton Cup TNZ will have a chance to take their revenge against Alinghi the team that took the America's Cup from their hands in Aukland in March 2003. The winners of the America's get to chose the format and location of the 33rd Cup, so there is everything to play for.

New Zealand lead 4-0

Emirates Team New Zealand now lead by four races to nil against Luna Rossa from Italy in the best of nine final of the Louis Vuitton Cup. In light winds NZL 92 lead from the start and finished 54 seconds ahead. Just one more victory is now required for Emirates Team New Zealand to earn the right to take on Alinghi in the America's Cup.

New Zealand lead 3-0

Emirates Team New Zealand now lead by three races to nil against Luna Rossa in the first to five final of the Louis Vuitton Cup taking place in Valencia Spain. In virtually faultless racing the team lead by helmsman Dean Barker is gradually increasing its winning margin after each race. It now looks likely that the NZL 92 team will face Alinghi in the America's Cup. Monday is a rest day with the Loius Vuitton Cup final resuming Tuesday 5th June

Emirates Team New Zealand lead 2-0

Emirates Team New Zealand extended their lead to 2-0 in the final of the Louis Vuitton Cup, being held in Valencia Spain. In ideal conditions, 12-14 knot sea breeze, the New Zealander's managed the prefect race, controlling the start and not looking back, to record their second win in two days. The first team to win five races wins the Louis Vuitton Cup and will have the right to take on Alinghi in the America's Cup, which will start on the 23rd of June.