Replacement skipper Glenn Ashby relished a rare chance to take over the helm as Team New Zealand cruised unopposed around San Francisco Bay in the final race of round four in the Louis Vuitton Cup.
The 35-year-old wing trimmer took over from Dean Barker to guide the big catamaran around the five-leg course in a shade over 30 minutes.
It was the Kiwi outfit's fifth forfeit win, Swedish entry Artemis Racing opting not to sail for the fourth time.
Barker watched from the chase boat as Ashby steered the catamaran around the 9.64 nautical-mile course in 30min 32sec.
Ashby said he had enjoyed some rare time at the wheel.
"It was good to have a feel of the boat through the different manoeuvres."
He admitted to being a "bit wobbly" at times.
"I was switching out of my usual role of wing trimmer to helming - sometimes my timing was out a little."
Ashby coaxed a top speed of 33.8 knots out of the AC72, downwind on leg four, in wind speeds averaging 13.2 knots and peaking at 15.7.
While Barker would have appreciated seeing the boat from the outside, Ashby said his time at the helm had been valuable from his point of view.
Team NZ are scheduled to race Luna Rossa early on Monday (AEST) in the first race of round five, with another probably solo effort against Artemis on Friday.
Despite launching their second boat last Wednesday, Artemis are still to confirm their readiness for the semi-final starting on August 7.
Their first boat was destroyed when it capsized during a testing session in May, resulting in the death of British sailor Andrew Simpson.
With just four scheduled races remaining in the round-robin series, Team NZ have eight wins from eight races and are guaranteed a berth in the best-of-13 final starting on August 17.
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