America's Cup: TV interests influence Cup regatta

For the first time since 1920, America's Cup teams are back in New York this weekend. However, the eagerly awaited showdown between the six Cup teams on the Hudson River, which is characterised by strong currents and heavy shipping traffic, got off to a grey and dull start.

While the glorious summer weather in this country ensured a good mood on the water, a persistent calm largely paralysed the start of the second regatta in this year's Louis Vuitton America's Cup World Series (LVACWS). A race could only be held after a long delay, for which a new rule applies: the results only count if no races can be held on Sunday within the fixed time window from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. local time. The international TV stations will then broadcast the Saturday race instead, the results of which will also determine the outcome of the regatta in this case.

The strange new rule would suit Dean Barker and his Japanese team, as the former Team New Zealand skipper and SoftBank Team Japan surprisingly won the race ahead of Artemis Racing and Groupama Team France. Only behind them did the favourites - Oracle Team USA, Land Rover BAR and Emirates Team New Zealand - reach the finish line on the turbulent Hudson River. Because this race was held outside the scheduled time slot, it is considered a "substitute race" and only counts if the broadcasters need it as a "joker" on Sunday because no other races can be held.

Dean Barker was correspondingly diplomatic about the race win and the new rule: "We learn with every new race. Of course we would like to include this race in the classification. On the other hand, it would be just as valuable for us as a team to go out there again tomorrow and deliver three good races."

With a time difference of six hours, the starting signal for Sunday's races is due to be given at 8pm this evening German time. The forecast is for 15 to 20 knots of wind, promising conditions for three exciting races. ServusTV will be broadcasting the race in a live stream from 8pm here. ServusTV will also be reporting on the events in New York in its television programme from 11.10 pm.

The results of the replacement race:

1st SoftBank Team Japan (Japan, Skipper: Dean Barker)

2nd Artemis Racing (Sweden, skipper: Nathan Outteridge)

3rd Groupama Team France (France, skipper Franck Cammas)

4th Oracle Team USA (America, skipper: Jimmy Spithill)

5th Land Rover BAR (Great Britain, skipper: Sir Ben Ainslie)

6th Emirates Team New Zealand (New Zealand, skipper: Peter Burling)