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While allowing conditions to settle, the NYYC Race Committee decided to forgo running the remainder of the round robin races in round one, and instead proceeded to split the 16 teams into gold and silver fleets to get right to the heart of the matter. This allows more time for the completion of three rounds each for both the gold and silver fleets, giving the teams ample opportunities to move up, or down, in the standings before being seeded into the quarter finals.

With 15-18 knots and puffs over 20, 56 races were sailed as the breeze fell off slightly through the afternoon. A brief postponement to realign the course moved the leeward mark to less than 50 yards from the spectator stands at Goat Island that were full of team supporters along with numerous local sailors who had turned out to cheer the competition. One start elicited a huge roar from the crowd, as all six boats were over the line early at the start of the race between IRL 2 and NZL 1. All the boats returned to restart without prompting from race officials.

In their first match up of the series, the pre-start action between Great Britain's two entries, GBR 1 and GBR 2, was well away from the line. After significant maneuvering, the teams finally made their approach to the starting line with GBR 1 winning the start with a 2-3-4 combination and covering the previously undefeated GBR 2. Even with one of its team well back in last, the first place GBR 2, sailed by

More of yesterday's action © Michael Levitt

Owen MORDAL and Linda EADIE, did not stop at the second mark to perform a mark trap and thus avoided the chance of being passed. Although GBR 1 had a winning 2-3-4 combo, they opted for a high-low manoeuvre at the leeward mark against MODRAL and EADIE, who, despite being pursued, still had the lead and the opportunity to do a big mark trap that could stop two or three boats at once. GBR 1 smartly split to avoid being caught and kept their 2-3-4 intact as they blasted down the last leg and ultimately handed GBR 2 their first loss of the Championship.

At the end of the day the standings for the gold fleet saw both teams from the USA with 6 wins and 1 loss; GBR 2 and NZL 1 (4-3); IRL 1 and GBR 1 (3-4); and IRL 2 and NZL 2 (1-6). The silver fleet standings: AUS 2 (6-1); ISV, ITA and AUS 1 (5-2); CZE (3-4); JPN 1 and JPN 2 (2-5); and CAN (0-7).

Racing resumes today and continues through until Saturday 1 October.

For more images from the second day of racing go to the New York Yacht Club website.

In addition to title sponsor Grey Goose, supporting sponsors are North Sails, Vanguard Sailboats, Ribcraft Inc., Ronstan, Sailing World and Sentient Jet Membership. Suppliers are American Lighthouse Foundation, Bagel Boys, Barry Motors, Challenge Electronics, Conanicut Marine Services, Crystal Spring Water Company, Heineken, Hyatt Regency Newport Hotel and Spa, International Yacht and Athletic Club, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Jailhouse Inn, Jamestown Ferry, Newport Harbor Hotel, Newport Lobster Company, Newport Tent, North Flags, R.I. State Yachting Committee, Rolex Watch U.S.A., Sailing Foundation of New York and Team One Newport.

For a complete list of all the news from the Grey Goose ISAF Team Racing World Championship CLICK HERE.