Big breeze came to the Valencia Louis Vuitton Acts on Monday, and with it more challenges for the crews competing.

For some of the newer, smaller teams, the wind strength took them to their limits and beyond. For the bigger teams, the stronger conditions provided useful tests of people and equipment.

The sea breeze built early and strong, peaking near 20-knots on both race courses, easing only towards the end of the second flight of races on the day.

All 12 teams made it through the first flight of races (Shosholoza scored as not finishing, but this was due to not completing a penalty obligation, rather than equipment failure), but between flights China Team broke their boom and retired from racing for the day. +39 Challenge also retired at the start of their race, handing an easy point to their rivals Mascalzone Latino-Capitalia Team.

The Southern race course featured Alinghi against Emirates Team New Zealand, a battle of two unbeaten teams. Alinghi revelled in the strong winds and dispatched the Kiwis without too much trouble. With the victory, Alinghi cements its place at the top of the table.

Luna Rossa Challenge faces the Swiss team on Tuesday, but Alinghi has won the regatta; even if it loses to the Italians, it is favoured in all possible tie-break scenarios.

The United Internet Team Germany continues to be a pleasant surprise, earning their third win of the Act over China Team in the opening flight.

The Germans sailed for just one week before racing began, but despite the lack of preparation, the team sits equal seventh, ahead of China Team and the South Africans.