( CNN ) -- BMW Oracle have taken a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three America 's Cup after a comfortable victory over holders Alinghi in Friday 's opening race in Valencia . American challengers Oracle cruised home by a three kilometer margin despite a poor start -- and now look poised to take the title from their Swiss opponents in the second race on Sunday . The opening race had twice fallen victim to adverse weather conditions this week , and more rough weather delayed proceedings once again . But when the flag eventually came down , Oracle stormed to victory , coming home over 15 minutes ahead of Alinghi . Winning captain James Spithill told the official America 's Cup Web site : `` This was one of the hardest days I 've had on the boat with the pressure and direction changes . `` But all in all it was a good day . I 'm sure there are some improvements we can make , but obviously it was great . '' The America 's Cup is international sport 's oldest trophy and was first competed for off the coast of southern England in 1851 .
BMW will have taken a 1 - 0 lead in the best - of - three America 's Cup series . The American team beat Swiss team Alinghi by over 15 minutes on Friday . The second race of the best - of - three series will take place in Dubai on Sunday .