Promising New Zealand yachtie Adam Minoprio is poised to sail into the semifinals of the Auckland Match Racing Cup.
After 12 of 18 round robin matches, 21-year-old Minoprio and his crew of Dave Swete, Josh Puckey, Tom Powrie and Nick Blackman are second equal with Frenchman Mathieu Richardwith eight wins and four losses.
Emirates Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker leads the regatta with nine wins and three losses.
In his six races on the Waitemata Harbour yesterday, Barker lost only one, to Britain's Ian Williams.
Barker beat Williams in the final flight of round robin one but then lost to him in the next race - the opening flight of round two.
"In the first race we took the left and crossed him and protected the right up the beat," Barker said.
"The second time we raced him, same thing. We took the left but couldn't quite cross him.
"He pretty much held the advantage all the way around. We gave ourselves chances but couldn't quite get around him."
Barker said slightly more breeze meant the conditions were not quite as dicey as they were on the opening day of the regatta.
Minoprio also ended the day with five wins and a loss, claiming two wins over Luna Rossa helmsman James Spithill. Spithill is fourth equal with Williams.
Barker said he was impressed by Minoprio, who made it into the semifinals of the New Zealand match racing championships in November.
"I think his strength is he is good in these boats," Barker said.
"He has got a very good crew, they have got good judgment, good time and distance and they sail the boat round the track very well.
"I think the challenge for them is going to be learning to do well overseas."
The final six round robin matches are scheduled for today, with the semifinals tomorrow and final on Sunday.
