Team NZ evens America's Cup series!!!

REPORT FROM VALENZIA

Swiss holder Alinghi, as it did in Auckland in 2003, threatened to sail away with the Cup yesterday by winning race one and then dominated much of this morning's re-match.

But Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker conjured a gritty fight-back on the final upwind beat after trailing by 100 metres on the previous run.
By doing so he answered his critics here in Spain who have questioned his mental strength when under pressure. And victory also banished any doubts over NZL92's boat speed.

That was not the case yesterday when Team New Zealand ominously lost to SUI100 by 32 seconds.

But they asked the fans to "keep-the-faith" and repaid it by squaring the best-of-nine series.

The blood-and-guts match race was action packed from the start.

Three protest flags were flown but no penalties awarded. Just like yesterday, Team New Zealand led off the line in the windward position but, before they could block Alinghi to the layline, were forced to tack away, handing the advantage to the Swiss. SUI100 held an ominous three boat-length 20 second lead at mark one and the race appeared over for the Kiwis. However, by mark two they had carved six seconds out of the deficit and the vital moment came just minutes before rounding the final mark.

Alinghi made a small but crucial mistake deciding not to cover Team New Zealand, which had initiated a tacking duel. And they sailed into some extra pressure and surged in front, rounding the third mark 15 seconds in front. It was a tense run home with Butterworth throwing several jibes. But he failed to force an error in the relatively calm conditions.

A 9-11 knot sea breeze from the south east suited the way the Kiwis have configured NZL92 and the race was not without controversy. Alinghi's master tactician Brad Butterworth was incensed with the spectator fleet encroaching on the race course and the former Kiwi sailor's salty language could be heard over the live broadcast. But in reality the chop they caused had little impact on the final result.

Both teams will enjoy a lay day tomorrow and racing resumes on Wednesday.

Article courtesy off www.stuff.co.nz