Oracle sails into semifinals

3.30pm

The Chris Dickson-skippered Oracle team became the second team to win their best-of-seven America's Cup challenger quarter final contest, beating OneWorld by 33sec on the Hauraki Gulf today.

In west to northwest winds, ranging from as low as 10 knots up to 24 knots, San Fransisco-based Oracle led throughout to clock up four wins in a row against their rivals from Seattle.

Oracle now will not race again until December 9, joining the Russell Coutts-skippered Swiss-based Alinghi team in the semifinals.

Alinghi made it through to the next stage of the contest last night after only three quarter final wins against Prada because the Italians chose not to race the last match to get more time for boat modifications.

- NZPA

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