Racing on the opening day of the America's Cup preliminary regatta has been cancelled, after a thunderstorm struck Vilanova I La Geltru in Spain.
Initially delayed by the oncoming weather pattern, the start was eventually canned, when wind conditions became wildly changeable, before eventually dying off completely, replaced by torrential rain and lightning strikes.
Race director Iain Murray had no option, but to call racing off.
"I think it was the right decision to abandon, but it was good to give it a chance, as we all want to race," said Emirates Team NZ helmsman Nathan Outteridge. "It was pretty wet when we got out there.
"We had about 10-11 knots when we were hoisting sails, so we went for the J2 [sail], but by the time we cut the chase, it was 4-5 knots and I think, after about 10 minutes, Iain Murray realised that this was not a good place to be for everyone and got us all back in.
"I think everyone is just excited to race, the practice races were great and we just want to get into it."
With the storm clearing later in the day, a full schedule of racing is expected off the Spanish coast on the second day.
"If it were up to me, I would probably shorten the races up a little, and try and fit more in, because that's what we want to see - more starts, more mark roundings - and I think people would enjoy that," said Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli helmsman Jimmy Spithill.
Cupholders New Zealand had dominated practice races in preceding days, as they prepare to defend the 'Auld Mug' at Barcelona next year.
