Team New Zealand cruised to a 2-0 lead over Luna Rossa in the America's Cup final series this afternoon, taking advantage of early misfortune aboard the Italian yacht.
Luna Rossa finished the race minus one of its 16-man crew after mid-bowman Massimiliano Sirena suffered a head injury 11 minutes into the
race. He was hit by a carbon-fibre stick being used to clear debris caught on the keel.
As he was working to clear the keel, the stick whipped back and opened up a six-centimetre cut that required seven stitches.
After a support boat moved in to take Massimiliano off Luna Rossa, Prada skipper Francesco de Angelis slowed the boat as mainsail trimmer Piero Romeo went over the side of the Italian yacht, diving to try and clear the keel.
Meanwhile, Team New Zealand stretched the 18-second advantage it had won at the start line and at the first mark the Black Boat lead by 2:19. The remainder of the race was only a matter of Skipper Russell Coutts and Team New Zealand protecting their big lead.
The Italians did fight back, making up 24 seconds on the second leg, and a further six seconds on the third.
But in light and shifty breezes Team New Zealand's boat speed and excellent crew work allowed them to increase their lead on the last three legs, crossing the finish line 2:43 in front.
The start of the race was delayed by 40 minutes while the race committee waited for the wind speed and direction to settle. At times during the race, the wind was barely more than 10 knots.
Race three of the first-to-five final series is scheduled for Thursday afternoon.
