Swiss defender Alinghi beat challenger Emirates Team New Zealand to win the sixth race of the America’s Cup in Valencia on Saturday and take a 4-2 lead in the best-of-nine series.
Alinghi crossed the line 28 seconds ahead of their rivals in perfect sailing conditions off the coast of Valencia that saw wind speed vary between seven and 10 knots with calm seas.
The two boats started together and it was neck-and-neck heading up towards the first mark until Alinghi lost the wind and fell 80 metres behind the Kiwis.
Team New Zealand hit the mark 13 seconds up, but that was cut by two seconds by the second mark as the Swiss boat kept the pressure up.
On the second upwind leg, SUI 100 managed a great pass, hitting the third mark 16 seconds in front of the Kiwis.
Despite Team New Zealand at one point cutting their lead to just one boat length, Alinghi kept up their momentum to win the drag race through to the finishing line. — Sapa-AFP