Emirates Team New Zealand will race Mascalzone Latino in semi-final

Emirates Team New Zealand will race the Mascalzone Latino in its semi-final of the Louis Vuitton Trophy Dubai regatta.

As top qualifier, BMWOracle Racing could choose its opponent from the three other qualifiers – Emirates Team New Zealand, All4ONE and Mascalzone Latino. Oracle chose ALL4ONE.

Emirates Team New Zealand will race NZL92 with starboard entry to the starting box.

The semi-final format is the best of three – first team with two wins goes through to the finals which will be raced on Saturday.

 Race organisers today held exhibition fleet races in the four yachts. Racing started late due to the lack of breeze. It never got above six knots and was very shifty.

Emirates Team New Zealand sailing crew flew the ensign at half-staff and wore black armbands to mourn the miners who died at Pike River coal mine. Tomorrow, the team plans to leave the dock early with fellow New Zealanders from other teams competing at Dubai for an on-the-water ceremony.

The team has invited people to join them on the four large chase boats at 10am. Team managing director Grant Dalton said New Zealanders at the regatta felt a sense of shock and wished to demonstrate their sympathy for the miners and show support for their relatives, fellow miners and the West Coast community.