Yachting: Italy collect win after Artemis black flag

Luna Rossa collected a fourth point in the Louis Vuitton Cup regatta today after a black flag victory over Artemis.

It was decided before the scheduled race that Artemis would once again be a no-show, instead using the time to test their new boat on the water earlier in the day.

Luna Rossa asked the Race Committee for a 'black flag' race, meaning Artemis was disqualified 10 minutes after the start, ending the race. The Italians flirted with 40 knots, hitting 39.84 knots on the first leg, just after the start.

Out on the water for the second straight day Artemis showed good form in foiling with impressive stability, according to reports.

The team says it needs more training before it will be ready to race.

Team New Zealand were also testing earlier in the day and are scheduled to race Artemis on Sunday (NZT). That race remains is highly unlikely with another match-up against Luna Rossa on Monday set as the next competitive sailing off San Francisco.

New Zealand lead the Louis Vuitton Cup standings on seven points, having already booked a spot in the finals. Italy sit in second spot three points back with Artemis on zero.