Team New Zealand has retained its claim on the Auld Mug with a confident lead over Luna Rossa in every leg od race 10.

The race 10 start was twice delayed, starting half an hour later than expected, but the defenders launched into it, securing a lead on their Italian rivals early on.

They steadily extended that lead during the race, finishing 46 seconds ahead and claiming the title 7-3 in the best-of-13 series.

On Tuesday, the defenders won race nine to put the score at 6-3 in the best-of-13 series.

In what was a thrilling ninth race of the Cup match, Luna Rossa held a narrow lead through almost five legs of the six leg race on course C under the shadow of North Head. Team New Zealand had rarely trailed by more than 100 metres however, and the defenders powered past in the fifth leg.