The first-to seven America's Cup Challenger Final on Thursday saw Britain and Italy tied with one victory each.

Next month, the winner of the Louis Vuitton Cup qualifying series will face New Zealand's America's Cup defenders for the coveted Auld Mug in Barcelona.

The AC75 foiling monohulls were pushed to their limits by the fierce racing conditions, which included a strong Mediterranean wind and large waves.

When asked how it felt to keep the boat under control, Jimmy Spithill, the co-helm of Italy's America's Cup team said: "It was like racing a Ferrari in ice."

The British and Italian teams are going to compete until one team wins seven races in the Louis Vuitton Cup Final. The next two races will be held on Saturday.

Italy took the first race on Thursday, winning with a perfect start. They extended their lead over Britain, who won the second race in a close-fought race.

Spithill, speaking of the improved British performance said: "This will be a battle to the end. That's what we are looking for."

Ben Ainslie, a British sailor, described the conditions in the race as "extreme", and said that the boats were "redlining" as they reached speeds over 50 knots at times. He said that a better start in the second leg of the race allowed his team to win.

Ainslie, from his AC75 cockpit after crossing the finish-line, said: "They kept coming towards us and kept it very close." (Reporting and editing by Toby Davis; Alexander Smith)

(source: Reuters)