America’s Cup: New Zealand and Italy at eye level | The Free Press

Auckland (AFP) In the 36th match of the Copa America, things remain exciting between the sailing teams from the reigning champions and host New Zealand and rival Italy until after the third day.

Each team won a race before Auckland, so it is now 3: 3. Seven victories are necessary to win the oldest and most important trophy in sailing.

Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli from Italy initially won the first race of the day in asymmetric winds with an 18-second advantage. In the sixth race, New Zealand captain Peter Burling and his crew aboard the Tea Riotai turned the tide and outpaced the rivals by 1:41 minutes. “That was a good end to another hard day,” said Blair Tuck, New Zealand’s 49th Olympic champion.

Tens of thousands of fans and a record fleet of 1,600 spectator boats provided the Port Regatta and Hauraki Golf Racecourse a stunning backdrop at the start of the weekend. The Trophy duel will continue on Sunday (4.15 AM CET / Servos TV) with the seventh and eighth races.