BARCELONA, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- The third day of racing in the Preliminary Regatta of the America's Cup saw reigning champions Emirates Team New Zealand beat the Swiss Alinghi Red Bull Racing yacht.
Although they have four wins from four regattas, the captain of the New Zealand team, Peter Burling, insisted there was still "everything to play for," adding that his team were interested in testing he "different conditions" on the water off the coast of Barcelona.
INEOS Britannia also defeated the Swiss, with captain Sir Ben Ainslie happy to see his boat and crew get near their potential.
"It was a much better day. I felt like we were finding our groove a bit with how we were sailing the boat. It's very small differences as expected at this level, but, a good race against Alinghi Red Bull Racing."
The British yacht then lost against the Italian Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team after suffering two pre-start penalties.
"It's really just to learn as much as we can, and really just another great opportunity to have a shot at the Kiwis. I haven't seen the forecast yet but yeah, just another good opportunity to line-up against the top team," commented Italian helmsman Jimmy Spithill before facing New Zealand on Sunday.
France's Orient Express Racing Team overcame Friday's problems to beat NYYC American Magic, who had to retire with a rudder rake cylinder issue that brought their boat to a halt before they could start.
"It was good to be back on the water and good for the team's confidence," commented Orient Express' Quentin Delapierre. ■
