New Zealand have struggled to adapt to their new boat and gusty Sydney wind on day one of Sail GP Australia.
With their F50 Amokura still being repaired from a freak lightning strike at Singapore last month, the Kiwis have been forced to borrow boat six, formerly the Japan vessel.
The challenging circumstances didn't take long to show, with a starting penalty and technical issue forcing Peter Burling's NZ to retire in the first race, resulting in a last-placed finish.
Instead, France adapted to the windy weather the best, finishing first, ahead of Jimmy Spithill's United States and championship-leading Australia.
NZ bounced back in the second race, finishing third, with the French again pipping the Americans to claim the honours.
But that proved to be their best result of the day, settling for fourth place in the third reace, with the only consolation finishing ahead of the United States and Australia in fifth and sixth.
France made it a perfect three from three to lead the event on 30 points after day one, with New Zealand off the pace on 17 in sixth position.
Australia Sail GP day one standings: 1-France (30), 2-United States (24), 3-Australia (20), 4-GBR (19), 5-Denmark (18), 6-NZ (17), 7-Canada (14), 8-Spain (11), 9-Switzerland (9).
