Blog: Team NZ and Alinghi duel before final (+photo)

Team New Zealand took on Alinghi in two trial races in Valencia today. Photo / Jean Francois Fournier

>>Read Grant Dalton's reaction

Team New Zealand had a hit out against the defenders Alinghi today two days before the start of the challenger series final.

It is believed Team New Zealand lined up in NZL84 but it is not clear which boat Alinghi used. Newstalk ZB reported both syndicates were using their older boats - NZL84 and SUI91.

American Ed Baird was believed to be helming the Swiss boat.

On shortened racetracks it is understood the syndicates' picked up a win each, however, other reports have Alinghi winning both races. The first race went comfortably Alinghi's way and the second Team New Zealand's.

In the first race it looked like Team New Zealand stuttered on a few gybes, which they will be disappointed with.

Team New Zealand have now raced Alinghi on three occassions we are aware of. Team New Zealand won the first series 2-0 while the last two hitouts have resulted in a win each.

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