Win the start, win the race. For the first six races of the America’s Cup finals, that was the story for both Team New Zealand, the holder, and its Italian challenger Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. Both teams, and most experts, had expected an ultratight series this month in the waters off Auckland, New Zealand, and as the teams traded wire-to-wire victories over the opening days, that was exactly what happened. The first team across the line was also the first team to finish. Taking advantage of shifting winds and its ample speed, Team New Zealand passed Luna Rosa in both races to take a 5-3 lead in the finals.

Source: New York Times March 16, 2021 00:22 UTC