SAN DIEGO – Kevin Mahaney’s Young America on Friday continued its domination of the first round of the America’s Cup defender trials by posting a convincing victory over the all-women America3.

In ideal conditions on the Pacific Ocean off Point Loma here, Young America, directed by Mahaney of Bangor, defeated America3 by just more than two minutes.

It was the fifth successive victory for PACT 95, setting it securely atop rivals America3 and four-time champion Dennis Conner’s Stars & Stripes with just two days of first-round racing to go.

America3 and Stars & Stripes each have just one point to Young America’s five points.

Young America’s strong showing has been something of a surprise because of the wind damage it suffered just two weeks ago while stored in its compound. Boat builders worked around the clock to repair holes as large as 8 feet by 4 feet in the hull.

Designer Bruce Nelson said he was relieved the yacht appeared to have an early edge.

“For the past 18 months, Kevin Mahaney has been saying, `I want a fast boat. I want a fast boat,”‘ said Nelson. “So it’s good to come out and find it’s not a dog.”

The key now, Nelson said, will be to keep pace with expected advances by the other two American syndicates.

“We haven’t raced the women’s new boat yet, and I’m darned sure we haven’t seen the best out of Dennis Conner,” said Nelson. America3 is expecting the delivery of its new yacht in February.

Friday’s race, in a steady 8-knot breeze, began with Young America delivering a double-barreled blow to the women during an aggressive prestart contest.

First, America3, with J.J. Isler at the helm, was penalized for not giving Mahaney enough room to move. Then, even though he knew the women would have to make a penalty 270-degree turn after the start, Mahaney kept the pressure on – forcing America3 across the line early, and thus causing the crew to have to first return to the start before taking the penalty turn.

Dawn Riley, taking over America3’s wheel, tried to rally back. The women were just 40 seconds behind at the first mark, but Young America stretched its lead downwind to 1 minute, despite the fact that its spinnaker fell across the deck.

The crew struggled to get the sail down and had to retrieve a spinnaker pole that was dragging in the water.