Breakdowns Stop New Zealand

Team New Zealand’s 10-race winning streak in the America’s Cup was doomed before the Kiwis even got close to the first buoy.

The two-time defending champions were forced to withdraw after their boat broke down twice less than 20 minutes into the opening race of the series today, handing the victory to Alinghi of Switzerland.

Water poured into the cockpit of the 80-foot sloop, the end of the carbon fiber boom shattered and a jib flapped wildly as the Kiwis’ winning streak dating to 1995 came to a shocking end.

Alinghi sailed alone on the last five legs of the six-leg, 18.5-nautical mile course to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-nine America’s Cup.

With the strong breeze still kicking up whitecaps, Alinghi sailed the downwind final leg with a jib instead of a spinnaker, hoping to avoid any breakage.

Team New Zealand boss Tom Schnackenberg didn’t immediately know what caused the breakdowns.

“Breakages can be repaired and the boat could probably be turned around in half an hour, but there will be no problem coming out and racing tomorrow,” he said.

It was the first time a yacht had retired from an America’s Cup race since 1920.

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America’s Cup

* Friday’s race -- Alinghi defeated Team New Zealand, which was forced to withdraw after breaking down less than 20 minutes into the race.

Format -- Best-of-nine series (Alinghi leads, 1-0.)

* Course -- Windward-leeward three miles, three times around, total 18.5 miles.

* Boats -- International America’s Cup Class, 75 feet long, 110-foot masts, 16-person crews.

* Schedule -- (U.S. dates, 4:15 p.m. PST) Race 2, today; Race 3, Monday; Race 4: Wednesday; Race 5, Feb. 21; Race 6, Feb. 22*; Race 7, Feb. 24*; Race 8, Feb. 26*; Race 9, Feb. 28*

* TV -- ESPN2

*If necessary