America's Cup opening race called off

The opening race of the 33rd America's Cup between Swiss holders Alinghi and US challengers BMW Oracle was called off yesterday because of shifting wind conditions, race officials said. The race between the hi-tech, multi-hull boats was rescheduled for tomorrow.

Alinghi and BMW Oracle had a frustrating wait off Valencia of almost four hours after the scheduled starting time before heading back to port. The unique boats had finally taken to the water after more than two years of sometimes bitter legal battles between Alinghi, owned by Swiss biotechnology and banking billionaire Ernesto Bertarelli, and Oracle software mogul Larry Ellison's team.