SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Emirates Team New Zealand won Race 6 of the America’s Cup, overtaking defending champion Oracle Team USA and new tactician Ben Ainslie to finish 47 seconds ahead.
Team New Zealand leads 5 to minus-1 and needs four more victories to claim the oldest trophy in international sports. Oracle Team USA, owned by software billionaire Larry Ellison, was docked two points in a cheating scandal.
Ainslie, the most successful sailor in Olympic history, replaced John Kostecki before the race.
Oracle Team USA led by 12 seconds at the downwind second gate before the Kiwis reeled in the American syndicate during a fierce tacking duel past Alcatraz Island that left the grinders gasping. The Kiwis have dominated sailing upwind and Thursday was no different in light wind.
Race 7 was set for later in the afternoon.
