The aft bulkhead ripped away during practice ahead of the race in 18 knot winds. It could take a week to repair the damage.

America One and America True continued their great rivalry with America True winning their heat by 20 seconds.

America One had led through the first three legs but America True turned a 27-second deficit into a 15-second lead in the fourth leg.

Young America led Abracadabra 2000 at every marker and finishing 2:10 in front.

Spain's entry also led throughout to beat Young Australia. Spain was ahead by 42 seconds at the second mark and won by 42.

The French yacht Le Defi also had a walkover against the Swiss entrant Fast 2000, which couldn't race because of mast troubles.

Fast 2000, the first ever Swiss entrant in the competition, later withdrew from the regatta.

"The game is over for us," skipper Marc Pajot said. "Today's not a very happy day for the Fast 2000 team, because unfortunately the mast could not be repaired in an acceptable delay so the decision has been taken not to continue in the race.

Pajot offered his technical staff to Conner's team as it battles to gets its boat operational again.