Sailing: Oracle wins opener
The America's Cup World Series got under way in Portugal with Oracle Racing No.5 winning a close fleet race.
Last Updated: 07/08/11 7:15pm
The America's Cup World Series got under way in the Atlantic off Cascais, Portugal with Oracle Racing No.5 winning a close fleet race in benign conditions.
Emirates Team New Zealand clocked 42.35 kilometers per hour (26 mph) to win the inaugural speed event for these yachts.
In Sunday's fleet race, the Kiwis were second, ahead of Oracle Racing No. 4 with China Team fourth. Team Korea edged China Team for second in the speed race.
"There are still a lot of things to improve but the basic, fundamental things are working," Oracle Racing No. 5 skipper Russell Coutts said.
Sunday's action was dramatic, with Kiwi bowman Winston MacFarlane sent flying from his boat and Oracle Racing No. 4 and Energy Team nearly colliding.
The new-look World Series - a prelude to the America's Cup in San Francisco in 2013 - features high-tech carbon fiber catamarans that are 45 feet long.
Live video of the racing will be streamed all week on skysports.com. Click here for details.
