Alinghi has raised eyebrows on Saturday after opting not to race Team New Zealand on day three of the second round robin of the Louis Vitton Pacific Series sailing regatta in Auckland.
The America's Cup holder is the first team to pull out of a race against the host, which automatically makes it through to the next phase of the event.
Given how the regatta works, no points are on offer when a syndicate races Team New Zealand.
So the decision by Alinghi will not affect its chances of progressing.
Team New Zealand is understood not to be happy with the move.
