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The conditions were near perfect at Muscat, Oman with a breeze that was on the positive side of 10-12 knots for most of the afternoon which allowed six 'open water' races to be staged off the waters of The Wave, Muscat.

The new 'young gun' on the circuit, Torvar Mirsky (AUT), ensured home team of The Wave, Muscat claimed the top spot with two first places and a second place, getting the defending champions off to the perfect start.

Mirsky said, "Amazing conditions today, Oman's got warm weather and a beautiful sea breeze, perfect sailing conditions for these Extreme 40 boats. For us, it was an amazing performance beyond what we expected.

"I know a lot of people thought we would be up there but I wasn't so sure. Our team are working really well together - Nicholas Hutton (GBR) and Khamis have done a really good job to get myself and Kyle Langford (AUS) up to speed on these boats and we're all working well together."

But always waiting to pounce was Pierre Pennec (FRA), the new skipper of Groupe Edmond de Rothschild, who showed his mettle today as his all-French crew stepped up to the mark.

Terry Hutchinson's (USA) Artemis Racing crew, who demonstrated their strong form in yesterday's practice races, continued in the same vein. Hutchinson said, "It's the end of day one racing here in Oman and we've found ourselves in a four-way tie and I think that just sums up how the racing is, its just close and tight and everyone is battling for every point.

"It was brilliant, it's the Extreme 40 delivered to the 'tee' today and, I think, from a novice in the multhihull world we are smiling! It was a really good day."

Alinghi skippered by Tanguy Cariou (FRA) and with Yann Guichard (FRA) at the helm is looking forward to the public 'stadium' days which start the day after tomorrow, "It's a good start, we just make five practice races in four days, so its good to be at the top of the rankings. It sets us up well for the next day and especially the 'stadium' racing when it will be great to have the public and to have some tough and tight races."

At the other end of the scale, match racing pro Ian Williams new to two hulls had a baptism of fire on Team GAC Pindar - the best result an 8th place. The umpires were kept busy - a clear sign the 11-boat fleet are pushing hard already - handing out multiple penalties to the all-Italian team Niceforyou.

And as the new teams and crew accelerate up the learning curve and their confidence grows, the combat will become even more intense.