“You’ve seen two very evenly matched teams, two very evenly matched boats,” said skipper Jimmy Spithill. “We were expecting a tough race, and I think it’s going to be like this the whole series. This type of racing you never give up.”
Oracle Team USA finished 36 and 52 seconds back in the first two races, respectively, giving Emirates Team New Zealand a 2-0 lead in the regatta.
In Race 1, Emirates Team New Zealand took the lead across the line, but held only a 4 second advantage around the second mark. Midway down the third leg Oracle Team USA made a pass, but Emirates Team New Zealand regained the lead going into the fourth mark and held on for the win. The team averaged a speed of 28.58 knots (33 mph) in Race 1, reaching a top speed of 42.51 knots (49 mph).
Race 2 featured another close start. Although Oracle Team USA was only 7 seconds back at the second gate, they were unable to make up ground. Speeds were slightly higher in the second race, with ORACLE TEAM USA averaging 28.92 knots (33 mph) and reaching a top speed of 42.87 knots (49 mph).