By Reuters Staff
2 Min Read
(Reuters) - Races on the fourth day of the 36th America’s Cup were postponed due to low wind speed off the coast of Auckland, its organisers said on Sunday, after the start of racing had already been delayed due to a COVID-19 lockdown in Auckland.
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The match will now resume at 1615 local time (0315 GMT) on Monday, the organisers added, with defending champions Team New Zealand (TNZ) and challengers Luna Rossa locked at 3-3 in the competition’s most even match for almost 40 years.
The lower wind limit for America’s Cup racing is 6.5 knots and the breeze failed to rise above that level in a sustainable manner, forcing organisers to abandon racing for the day.
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(Reuters) - Holders Team New Zealand roared back to beat Luna Rossa and make it 3-3 in the 36th America’s Cup match off the coast of Auckland on Saturday, after the Italian challengers dominated the day’s opening race.
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TNZ hit speeds of over 40 knots in the second race to cross the line in 27 minutes and 27 seconds, a minute and 41 seconds ahead of Luna Rossa, to the delight of most of the roughly 15,000 fans on the quay and some 2,000 spectator boats.
“That was a good one, to have the boat speed like that,” TNZ flight controller Blair Tuke said. “The big speed difference was pleasing and like yesterday, a really good reply from the guys. A good way to finish another tight day.
Team New Zealand rallied superbly to level the America's Cup match at 2-2 on Friday after challenger Luna Rossa took the honours in the early race in light winds off the coast of Auckland.
Getting a jump at the start proved decisive in the opening races of the 36th America's Cup but Friday's second day of action could see more see-sawing battles between Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa.
Italian challengers Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli will this week attempt to wrest the America's Cup from holders Emirates Team New Zealand after a 21-year wait for a second shot at the oldest trophy in international sport.