Team UK have left the losses of 2020 behind to make the perfect start to the America's Cup Challenger Selection Series.
Team UK racing a modified Britannia to victory on day one of the America's Cup Challenger Selection Series Photo: Photosport/Chris Cameron
After six consecutive losses, Team UK had their first win since they arrived in Auckland in opening race of the Challenger Selection Series against the favourites American Magic.
A long list of changes to the Team UK boat, including modifications to the rudder, mast, sails and the hull, in the weeks since the World Series paid off immediately for the entry skippered by Sir Ben Ainslie.
The British took advantage of getting out of the starting box at speed and used the right hand, windward side, of race course C to stay ahead of the Americans for all six legs, winning by 1 minute and 20 seconds.
In the second race on Friday, Team UK continued their winning run with a 28 second victory over challenger of record Luna Rossa.
Again the British had the lead from start to finish.
Luna Rossa helmsman Jimmy Spithill said in a post-race on the water interview there were a lot of things his team could have done better but he credited the way Team UK sailed for the win.
American Magic Photo: PHOTOSPORT
On Saturday American Magic race twice, first against Luna Rossa at 3.12pm in the last race of the first round robin, followed by a rematch against Team UK with the exact timings of the races dependent on weather conditions.
The forecast is for lighter conditions on day two.
Which of the five race available courses will be used for day two of the series will be decided by the regatta director Iain Murray on Saturday morning.