KEY POINTS:
Team New Zealand secured their second win over Luna Rossa this morning taking them a step closer to challenging Alinghi for the America's Cup.
A powerful and confident start from Dean Barker helped Team New Zealand to a 40 second win over Luna Rossa in race two of
the challenger series final in Valencia.
After winning race one by 8 seconds, Team New Zealand made it look easy this morning leading comfortably around the Mediterranean racetrack.
The New Zealand boat NZL92 clearly had a click of speed over Luna Rossa's ITA94.
Team New Zealand now led the best of nine race series 2-0. Race three is tonight.
Team New Zealand won this morning's race in the pre-start. While it was thought the right hand side was favoured, Barker started to the left of the Luna Rossa helmsman James Spithill who seemed desperate to get the right.
The New Zealanders powered over the line at pace while the Italians were much slower and were forced to tack away handing the Kiwis a handy boat length lead. From there the Kiwis controlled the match and extended on each leg.
They led by 25 seconds at the first mark, 35 seconds at the gate, 39 seconds at the third mark before winning by 40 seconds.
Luna Rossa navigator Michele Ivaldi acknowledged the defining moment in the match was the prestart.
"We wanted the right a little bit stronger than yesterday. I think Team New Zealand and Deano [Barker] did a good job at making us pay for the right. So we had the side but we paid with some boat speed crossing the starting line.
"Going up the beat they got some little puffs from the left which made the lead of Team New Zealand more comfortable. From there on it was good control from Team New Zealand."
Team New Zealand strategist Ray Davies praised Barker's performance in the prestart.
"The weather call was very similar to yesterday, the right side a little big stronger but not a lot in it. Dean did a really good job. He made it very tough for Luna Rossa to get back to the start line.
"It was an awesome day, it was one of the best days we have had on the water."
Race three starts tonight at 1am NZT.
