standby prior to racing today as a solid Mediterranean ‘Garbi’ breeze pushed frustratingly above the stipulated 21-knot upper wind-range.

Eventually the breeze settled, allowing the two teams to serve up one of the classic gladiatorial contests that are synonymous with the America’s Cup through its history.

The story ahead of that late afternoon thriller of a second race was around batten issues on Luna Rossa’s mainsail where a number of breaks had pierced the carbon fibre material of the port skin. The only call the Italians could make was to drop and replace the mainsail and they brought their Chase Boat team in to facilitate the change. Unfortunately for the Italians this was right at the time that the Race Committee’s wind sampling dipped below 21 knots, and the opening race of the day was called as ‘live.’