Series leaders Team New Zealand finished second in the practice race in Spain ahead of the final round of the MedCup yachting regatta.
Skipper Dean Barker and his crew hold a commanding lead heading into the start of racing proper at Cartagena tomorrow.
The practice race is a chance for the sailors to reacquaint themselves with the local conditions and Barker knew from previous experience that the venue was a testing one.
"This is a tricky race course and that was proved again today," he said.
"There was never a dull moment out there. There was no rhyme or reason for what was happening. It was shifty and it was puffy and hard to be consistent, so we are very happy with today."
Barker said the conditions meant a top-three finish in any race over the coming five days would be a good result.
Spanish team Bribon, who won the Cartagena regatta last year, were first across the line today.
Team NZ lead by 52 points in the standings from Argentine entry Matador, with Americans Quantum Racing five points further back.
