Alinghi takes Cup opener

VALENCIA, Spain – Alinghi began its America’s Cup title defense Saturday by defeating challenger Emirates Team New Zealand by 35 seconds, the start of a sailing showdown for the oldest trophy in international sports.

Alinghi, a Swiss boat that had not raced in competition since April, will try to extend its lead today when the best-of-9 final for the Auld Mug resumes. This was the sixth straight victory for Alinghi, dating to its 5-0 sweep of the Kiwis in 2003.

“It was a great race,” Alinghi skipper Brad Butterworth said. “The boats seem to have much the same speed.”

Alinghi rounded the first marker with a 13-second lead after trailing out of the start. It stretched its lead to about 160 yards on the first downwind lap.

Though Emirates Team New Zealand narrowed Alinghi’s lead to less than a boat length on the second upwind lap after initiating a tacking duel, the Swiss were faster over the final downwind beat.

Alinghi has not competed since early April because the defender automatically qualifies for the cup final. New Zealand, meanwhile, fought off 10 teams to win the challenger finals. New Zealand also was sailing a new boat under skipper and helmsman Dean Barker. Although Alinghi flies the Swiss flag, Butterworth is a New Zealander.

To mark the start of sailing, Spanish and Swiss jets flew over the America’s Cup Park, where Kiwi fans intermingled with Swiss ones waving their own flag and clanging large bells.