America's Cup: High winds delay races between NZ & US teams

High winds in San Francisco Bay forced the temporary postponement of the 34th America's Cup on Tuesday.

The delay means the next two races between leaders Emirates Team New Zealand and holders Oracle Team USA will be on Wednesday.

New Zealand lead by seven races to one, with Oracle's first two wins nullified by a penalty before the finals began.

The first team to score nine points will take home the 162-year-old America's Cup trophy.

Oracle's performance over the weekend suggests their AC72 is faster than New Zealand's in heavy winds.

A proposal by Oracle to increase the wind limits for racing was rejected by New Zealand, a spokesman said.

"We requested the wind speed to be increased by one knot. We feel the extra knot would still keep the event safe for the teams and it would help avoid postponements like today and allow racing to continue as scheduled," Oracle general manager Grant Simmer said.

America's Cup schedule

(Times BST)

Wed, 18 Sept: Race 13 (21:15), Race 14 (22:15)

Thu, 19 Sept: *Race 15 (21:15), *Race 16 (22:15)

Fri, 20 Sept: * Reserve Day

Sat, 21 Sept: *Race 17 (21:15)

Sun, 22 Sept: *Reserve Day

Mon, 23 Sept: *Reserve Day

*If needed

BBC coverage times

Highlights (all BST)

Fri, 20 Sept - 13:30-14:15 (BBC Two), 14:15-15:00 (Red Button)

Sun, 22 Sept - 14:05-14:50 (BBC Two), 16:40-18:10 (Red Button)