Almost perfect forecast for a day of racing on the Hauraki Gulf

Weather forecasters dialled up almost the ideal prediction for Auckland's Hauraki Gulf today, as America's Cup yachts headed into the final two days of racing in the opening round of the Louis Vuitton Cup.

The forecast of west to south west winds between nine and 12 knots increasing to 15 knots meant the eighth scheduled round of the round-robin one would start on time at 12.15pm.

In today's opening race, Stars and Stripes meet Mascalzone Latino. Five minutes later the unbeaten OneWorld meet the French entry Le Defi. Oracle clash the Swiss Alinghi and the Swedish entry are up again the British GBR Challenge.

The Italian Prada syndicate have the bye.

- NZPA

nzherald.co.nz/americascup

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