Emirates Team New Zealand was the winner of the first race on day 2 of the America’s Cup Finals, taking a 3-0 lead in the world-renowned series.

America's Cup 2013 Finals - Photo© ACEA Photo Balazs Gardi

ORACLE TEAM USA yacht held the early lead in Race 3 of the 2013 America’s Cup Final, leading around the first reach mark and even putting a penalty on Emirates Team New Zealand. ORACLE TEAM USA held an 17-second lead at the leeward gate, before a furious battle ensued on the upwind leg.

ORACLE TEAM USA was covering closely but Emirates Team New Zealand yacht got to the left of the course. After a physically exhausting tacking duel, Emirates Team New Zealand held right-of-way coming off the left hand course boundary on port tack, forcing ORACLE TEAM USA to tack to leeward. Once in control, Emirates Team New Zealand opened a lead that ORACLE TEAM USA couldn’t overcome.

“We’re only three races into it. We have to keep pushing hard,” said Kiwi skipper Dean Barker. “With these boats, it’s no use being conservative… We’ll go out and try to win the next race this afternoon.”

“I don’t think our speed is that bad,” said ORACLE TEAM USA skipper Jimmy Spithill. “I think we’ve got a shot a winning. We’re  going to come out swinging. We really want this one.”