America's Cup - Team New Zealand smashed their way through choppy waves and strong winds to beat Desafio Espanol 5-2 in their semi-final series, finally snatching their place in the Louis Vuitton Cup final.

The Kiwis will now take on Italy's Luna Rossa for the LV Cup, and with it the right to challenge Swiss syndicate Alinghi for the America's Cup, sailing's most glittering prize.

Team New Zealand, who lost the America's Cup to Alinghi in 2003, dropped two races to the Spanish in the best-of-nine semis but their experience in the wavy, windy waters at home in Auckland held them in good stead on Wednesday.

The seventh race of the semi-finals was postponed on Tuesday when winds gusted well over 20 knots and the waves were up to two metres even at the mouth of the America's Cup port.

On Wednesday, the weather had eased off enough for the delicate racing yachts to take to the water but it was tough going out at sea where waves were still more than a metre high.

At one stage, Desafio's crew had to bail water off the boat with plastic buckets, bringing back memories of 2003 when the Kiwi boat took in huge amounts of water during their America's Cup loss.

Team New Zealand, which trained in Auckland this winter, led the Spanish all the way around the course after a much tamer start than have been seen so far in the LV Cup semi-finals.

In the end the Kiwis crossed the line 78 seconds ahead, putting an end to a very well-fought challenge from the Spanish.

Italian syndicate Luna Rossa, who beat BMW Oracle in a surprisingly emphatic 5-1 in their semi-final, will take on Team New Zealand for the best-of-nine finals starting on June 1.

REUTERS