AmericaOne Holds On Against Prada

AUCKLAND, New Zealand —  AmericaOne edged Prada by eight seconds today in the America’s Cup challenger semifinals in what could be a preview of the two-boat finals series.

In other races, Stars and Stripes kept pace with the front-runners with a 19-second triumph over Le Defi Francais, while Nippon scored a 1-minute 20-second win over America True.

AmericaOne took a 1-minute 2-second lead around the first windward mark after being well positioned on the first beat. AmericaOne also appeared to be sailing slightly faster and higher in 12-knot conditions.

Prada rallied over the next three legs and trailed by only 25 seconds beginning the final beat. AmericaOne skipper Paul Cayard and tactician John Kostecki held on during that three-mile leg to win the closest race of the series.