VALENCIA - Statistics show that leading at the first mark will be vital when Team New Zealand face defenders Alinghi in the battle for the America's Cup.
Team NZ hold an edge in head-to-head clashes in buildup regattas since they relinquished the sport's biggest prize to the Swisssyndicate in Auckland four years ago.
Of the 10 times they have met after Alinghi snatched the Auld Mug, Team NZ have won six of the contests.
But statistics issued by America's Cup organisers showed that whoever rounded the top mark ahead were almost invariably in front at the finish.
Alinghi have a 100 per cent record in that respect, going on to win all three times they led after the first windward leg. Team NZ's strike rate is six out of seven.
The Swiss have also shown a dominance when the wind has been up in the 13 to 17-knot range, while Team NZ have had better results in under 13 knot winds.
During the 13 Louis Vuitton Cup Acts over the past three years, Alinghi and Team NZ have shown themselves to be the strongest of the 12 syndicates.
Alinghi won eight of the Acts and were top dogs in 2005. Team NZ won two of the Acts and were named the season's champions in 2004 and 2006.
Last year was also the last time the two teams met, in the final of Act 12, which Dean Barker and his Team NZ crew won 2-1, although they were sailing a new boat in NZL84 against an old one in SUI75.
Alinghi have yet to reveal who will helm their boat, when the cup match begins off Valencia on Sunday (NZT).
Against the two most likely options, Barker has won five and lost two against Peter Holmberg, of the Virgin Islands, while his score is 1-1 against American Ed Baird, who is expected to get the job.
However, all the statistics have to be considered against the fact that the Swiss, skippered by New Zealander Brad Butterworth, have kept their newest boat, SUI100, in reserve.
SUI100 was launched in March, but Alinghi used SUI91 when they won the final Act in April.
