The America's Cup challenger series made a farcical start as Team New Zealand scored the first point in a one-boat race in San Francisco.
Italy's Luna Rossa Challenge sat the race out in protest of rule changes it says put it at a disadvantage.
The New Zealand team also oppose the changes and an international jury is considering the arguments, but a formal hearing was not scheduled until Tuesday.
Team New Zealand sailed the race course alone in order to formally win the first of several matches in the Louis Vuitton Cup.
The winner of the Louis Vuitton Cup will challenge holders Oracle Team USA for the America's Cup in September.
