by David Wharton

After months of missteps, bickering and tragedy, the America's Cup got down to some real racing Tuesday. As expected, Luna Rossa Challenge from Italy defeated Artemis Racing of Sweden in the first race of a best-of-seven semifinal on San Francisco Bay.

Three international teams – including a New Zealand entry – are contesting for the right to challenge the defending champion, Oracle Team USA, in September.

"It certainly wasn't our most refined race," Luna Rossa helm Chris Draper said after his boat overcame equipment problems and a slow start to win by about two minutes. "The team did a good job of dealing with it."

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Source: http://www.latimes.com/