New Zealand took the lead in its America's Cup defense on Friday, crushing the British challengers and extending their lead to 5-2.

The Kiwis took the lead early on after a few pre-race skirmishes. They extended their lead to win the race.

Peter Burling, New Zealand's skipper, said "Really shifty tricky dynamics" on the America's Cup broadcast live after the New Zealand crew's convincing victory over the British team who won two important races on Wednesday.

Nathan Outteridge, his co-helm said that the team was just trying to defend their right side on a day with fluctuating winds off Barcelona.

The Kiwis are now in a better position to catch up with the British team, led by Ben Ainslie.

Ainslie, from the cockpit his AC75 foiling yacht "Britannia", said: "A tough race for me." He added that it "looked like a good beginning for us".

Ainslie is confident about his chances of winning the race.

He said, before getting ready for another start: "We'll continue to work hard and hope that we can get one back this time."

(source: Reuters)