VALENCIA, Spain: The first race of the 33rd America's Cup between Swiss holders Alinghi and US challengers BMW Oracle was abandoned on Monday because of unreliable wind, further delaying a bitterly- fought event.

The race between the hi-tech, multi-hull boats was reset for Wednesday, the next scheduled sailing day in the best-of-three regatta off the Spanish port of Valencia.

Crew members aboard Alinghi and BMW Oracle had a frustrating, cold and wet wait of almost four hours more than 25 km (16 miles) off shore before heading back to port.