Dubai: Emirates Team New Zealand knocked off Alinghi and BMW Oracle Racing to run a perfect record in the round robin section of the Louis Vuitton Act 12 in Valencia on Wednesday.
This all-win record at the end of six days of sailing earns the Kiwis the right to choose their opponent for the next stage of the competition.
To complete its perfect run, Emirates Team New Zealand had to navigate its way through treacherous conditions on a difficult day of shifting winds and variable pressure on the waters off Valencia. The team made bold decisions in both races and were rewarded with handy leads.
The racing on Wednesday was important up and down the table.
Emirates Team New Zealand beat Alinghi by one minute and 12 seconds in flight 10, and got the better of BMW Oracle Racing by 1.14 minutes in flight 11.
Desafio Espanol won both its matches to claim fifth spot overall and top of the second division. The Spanish will also choose their opponent for today's sailing.
Shosholoza backed into the final second division placing, losing both its matches on the day, but advancing from a three-way tie-break over Areva Challenge and +39 Challenge.
The French Areva will top the third division and pick their opponents for the semifinals, scheduled to begin this afternoon on the waters off Valencia.
As per competition rules, the 12 competing teams will be allowed a time limit on lodging protests, after which the round robin results will be finalised and the teams will be officially divided into three divisions.
From this point of the competition forward, a team remains in its division until the end of Louis Vuitton Act 12. For example, no team in the top division can finish worse than fourth, and no team in the second division could finish better than fifth.