Alinghi, NZ study videos for clues to speed

Alinghi and Team New Zealand began trawling through video footage of the first two races of the America's Cup yesterday, searching for clues that can help them gain advantage in the series, which is level at 1-1.

The Kiwis came from behind to win on Sunday, squaring the best-of-nine contest and giving themselves a much-needed psychological boost ahead of the next race today.

Alinghi's latest boat SUI100 had threatened to dominate the competition, amid suggestions that their sleek new "rocketship" would give the Swiss syndicate a clear edge over the New Zealand crew challenging for sailing's most high profile trophy.

But after two races, sailors on both teams said that while boat design is a key factor, the two boats battling it out for the 156-year-old Cup appear evenly matched in the varying wind and sea conditions.

"There's two very even boats out there and it's like really racing a one-design... we know that we are competitive and it will be a tight boat race," Team New Zealand mainsail trimmer Don Cowie said after Sunday's win.

Both crews said they would be staying ashore ahead of the third race in the series, using the time to regroup after two emotionally charged days of racing.

In beating Alinghi, New Zealand also ended a 16-race winning streak for the five Kiwis at the heart of the Swiss team and avenged Alinghi for their 5-0 defeat off Auckland in 2003.

Brad Butterworth, Simon Daubney, Murray Jones, Dean Phipps and Warwick Fleury were America's Cup winners with Team New Zealand in 1995 and 2000.

They and skipper Russell Coutts were poached by Swiss upstart Alinghi after their 2000 victory.