7:49AM Friday June 22, 2007
Alinghi's pair of yachts work on getting every ounce of extra speed in practice off Valencia.
Team New Zealand have won the first mini-battle of the America's Cup.
The victory came, as many of them do in the complex sport of match-race yachting, off the water. And at this stage there's no telling just how significant it is.
The America's Cup match starts on Sunday morning in Valencia, and defenders Alinghi have been trying to have their boat innovations cleared by the various race authorities.
Yachting World editor Matt Sheahan says the latest one involved removing redundant back stays from the mast during upwind legs.
Sheahan says the rules prevent them from doing this, and Alinghi has been arguing the case, but it has been turned down.
The issue was brought to the attention of the measurers by Team New Zealand.
Sheahan says removing the back stays would reduce drag, but it is not certain by how much.
Sheahan believes the fact that this became an issue at all is a big indication of the apprehension and intensity that is building in the lead up the match.
He says it is very tense in Valencia and there are a lot of expectations.
There is no word as to whether Alinghi will continue to pursue the issue.
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