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Gusts scupper Louis Vuitton final
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (CNN) -- Strong winds have forced the postponement of the long-awaited Louis Vuitton Cup final. Swiss team Alinghi and San Francisco-based Oracle BMW Racing were due to begin the best-of-nine final series on Saturday, but race officials ruled the wind was too strong on Auckland's Hauraki Gulf. The first race was postponed until Sunday, weather permitting. Saturday was the nineteenth day out of 55 that has been postponed due to unsuitable weather. Principal Race Officer Peter Reggio said winds were gusting to 25 knots with seas between 1.5m and 2m. "It's just nasty out there," said Reggio. "Fortunately, we're in the final days of the northeasterly flow. The locals say they come in five-day shots and this is the fifth day." The teams had had a break of 18 days since the semi-final repechage which saw Oracle earn a place in the final. The winner will race Team New Zealand in February for the America's Cup. Oracle BMW Racing had proposed removing the wind limits for the series, but Alinghi did not consent. "One of the things you do when you read the rule with regard to windspeed parameters is that you design your sails around those limits, and you would probably have different sails onboard if you were racing in 25 knots as opposed to 20 knots of breeze," said Alinghi skipper Kiwi Russell Coutts.
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