BARCELONA, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Four teams are on one point, while the British yacht INEOS Britania and France's Orient Express Racing have yet to put points on the board after the first day's racing in the preliminary round of the America's Cup, which opened in Barcelona on Thursday.

The Swiss team Alinghi Red Bull Racing beat France's Orient Express Racing Team in the first heat with helmsman Maxime Bachelin expressing satisfaction at the win.

The second regatta between cup-holders, Emirates Team New Zealand against Italy's Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli was a none-event after the Italian boat suffered an electrical problem which shut them down for 20 seconds to force them out of the race.

"It was a shame as we had a good head-to-head race going with the Kiwis and it looked like it was going to be a good one," said Luna Rossa helmsman, Jimmy Spithill, who added it was better that "stuff happens now rather than when it really counts."

New York Yacht Club (NYYC) American Magic defeated INEOS Britannia 29 seconds after taking advantage of a big wind shift and then protecting their lead.

"We have won our first race and although there is a long way to go, it's good to get off the mark as you don't want to be waiting a couple of days to get your first win," Tom Slingsby, helmsman on NYYC American Magic, told the event's official website.

The day's final race was an easy win for Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli after France's Orient Express Racing Team fell off their foils before the pre-start, picking up penalties for several infractions to allow the Italians to take a decisive early lead, which they extended to win by a minute and 33 seconds.

"It's still a learning period and mistakes are allowed. We just need to get the lesson and try to push forward with the whole team," explained Quentin Delapierre, the captain of the French yacht, who nevertheless said their boat "looks fast." Enditem

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