Stars & Stripes Loses Third Race in Row

Stars & Stripes, the America’s Cup winner, lost its third straight race in the semifinals of the world 12-meter yachting championship Tuesday.

Bengal, skippered by Colin Beashel, crossed the finish line 6 minutes 25 seconds ahead of Dennis Conner’s San Diego-based yacht, which failed to win a race in the semifinals.

New Zealand’s KZ7 won its third straight race, beating Kookaburra II of Australia to reach the final against Bengal, which also won three races in the semifinals.

New Zealand, skippered by David Barnes, came from behind in the closest race of the semifinals to cross the finish line 33 seconds ahead of Kookaburra II.

Kookaburra II, skippered by Peter Gilmour, held the lead around the first three marks with an advantage of nearly a minute at the initial windward mark. But on the second downwind leg, Barnes made the best of the light winds to take a 17-second lead at the last mark.

Despite a tacking duel on the last windward leg, the Australian yacht was unable to break through. Kookaburra II protested an incident before the start of the race, but withdrew the protest after the race.

In other races, Sfida Italiana of Italy beat White Horse of Britain, and Entertainer 12 of Sweden finished ahead of Steak ‘n Kidney of Australia.

The best-of-three final round opens today.

In the America’s Cup final at Fremantle, Australia, last February, Stars & Stripes swept Kookaburra III of Australia, 4-0.