NAPLES, Italy (AP) — Oracle Spithill and Emirates New Zealand are on top after the opening day of the America’s Cup World Series off Naples on Wednesday.
James Spithill skippered Oracle to victory in the first race after dominating from the start. Energy Team was second. Emirates, the series leader, finished third.
Emirates overtook Oracle midway through the second race to win. Team Korea was runner-up. Oracle took third.
Emirates, skippered by Dean Barker, led by one point coming into the round after last year’s opening three regattas — in Cascais, Portugal; Plymouth, England; and San Diego.
The World Series allows teams to race regularly and promote the America’s Cup to help attract sponsors. The Naples leg ends Sunday.
