By JULIE ASH
From the Believe It or Not files, race four of the America's Cup may finally be sailed today.
The race was postponed for the seventh time yesterday, after Auckland Harbourmaster James McPetrie and the police advised principal race officer Harold Bennett that they were concerned about the safety
of spectators in the 1.8m swell and in the gale-force winds.
Bennett called off the race at 8am yesterday morning saying he had no choice but to delay it yet again.
However, the news for today is slightly better. Race organisers have predicted east-northeasterly winds from 15-23 knots with gusts up to 26 knots.
The low-pressure system which has brought strong winds and big seas over the past few days is now on its way further out to sea.
The tail of the front should ensure a steady breeze suitable for racing.
Today was originally a layday, but after consultation with both teams Bennett was given permission by Team New Zealand and Alinghi to race if conditions permit.
Team New Zealand syndicate head Tom Schnackenberg said the next few days looked pretty good.
He said the nine-day break has done the Team New Zealand crew - 3-0 down in the first-to-five series - a world of good, but now they were keen to get back on the water.
"It is time to get going again," he said. "The sailors are champing at the bit to get racing."
He said Team New Zealand have done little to their boats during the break.
"There has been plenty of time to make subtle changes. But no major surgery has been required."
Team New Zealand took their training boat NZL81 sailing for a short time yesterday while Alinghi did a gym workout in the morning and a bit of maintenance before taking the rest of the day off.
But while the next few days may be okay, a frontal system is on the horizon and could postpone racing early next week.
If racing goes on beyond this weekend, the schedule will have to be redrawn.
After discussion with the two teams, Bennett announced that today, tomorrow and Sunday were now scheduled as race days.
A decision will be made over the weekend whether to race on Monday, if needed.
Under the notice of race and conditions that govern the 31st America's Cup, a winner must be found, which means the event will continue until either Alinghi or Team New Zealand win five races.
nzherald.co.nz/americascup
Racing schedule and results
By JULIE ASH
From the Believe It or Not files, race four of the America's Cup may finally be sailed today.
The race was postponed for the seventh time yesterday, after Auckland Harbourmaster James McPetrie and the police advised principal race officer Harold Bennett that they were concerned about the safety
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