A classic sailing rivalry between old foes New Zealand and the United States was rekindled in the World Team Racing Championships on the Waitemata Harbour yesterday.
The teams, who finished one-two in the last world championship in 2001, again topped the leaderboard on day one of round robin racing.
At theend of a perfect day's sailing in 5 to 10 knot winds, the United States 2 team was undefeated after nine races, and defending champions New Zealand 1, from the Kerikeri Yacht Club, had suffered just one hiccup in an otherwise faultless day.
It was a big stride forward for the United States 2 team, aiming to snatch the world title from New Zealand at their thrid try.
The Kiwis, two-time world champions, outsailed the Americans in the final of the last Team Racing championship in the Czech Republic.
Captain Tim Fallon said his New England team, who joined forces as college students six years ago, had stuck together with the aim of knocking the New Zealanders off their perch.
"We get together as a team only three times a year, but were really determined to get New Zealand this time," he said.
The two teams have yet to meet head-to-head in this regatta.
New Zealand 1, with three members of the Murdoch family in the six-strong team, notched up six wins and one loss, beaten by the other American team, United States 1.
Three-quarters of the way through the round-robin, other nations are shaping up as strong contenders for the sail-off stages.
Ireland has two teams from the Royal St George Yacht Club, where team racing originated over 50 years ago.
Ireland 1 had a rewarding day on the water yesterday with a 7 win-2 loss record. The Czech Republic, United States 1 and the Netherlands were also among the frontrunners.
New Zealand 2, a group of talented youth sailors from Auckland's Kohimarama Yacht Club led by Australasian Laser Radial champion Jake Bartrom, had a mixed first day, with five wins and four losses.
Round robin racing continues today before the fleet is divided into gold and silver leagues.
