Stars & Stripes, N.Z. Both 3-0

New Zealand edged French Kiss by a few feet and Stars & Stripes routed USA today as both yachts took 3-0 leads in the best-of-seven America’s Cup challenger semifinals.

One more victory each will put the New Zealand into the challenger finals against Stars & Stripes, the San Diego Yacht Club entry, with the winner to face the Australian defender for the Cup. In the defenders’ semifinals, Kookaburra II defeated Kookaburra III by 50 seconds, while Australia IV apparently eliminated Steak’n Kidney from the finals with a 14-second victory.