Oracle Team USA deny New Zealanders once again

(CNN) -- Oracle Team USA's improbable America's Cup comeback gathered further momentum on Monday after a fifth straight win over challengers Emirates Team New Zealand.

Emirates Team New Zealand have been one win away from clinching the Auld Mug since last Wednesday, but Oracle Team USA never looked like losing Monday's race at San Francisco Bay.

The New Zealanders still hold an 8-6 advantage over their American counterparts in the best-of-17 series.

The Americans started their defense of the cup on minus two after being punished for illegally modifying their catamarans.

The sailors who race the America's Cup

America's Cup trophy on display

Andrew Simpson (R) receives his gold medals alongside best friend and crewmate Iain Percy at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

Andrew Simpson, known as "Bart", had an illustrious sailing career. Simpson was a two-time Olympic medalist in the Star class, gold in Beijing 2008 and silver in London 2012.

In 2008, Simpson and Percy were part of Great Britain's all-conquering sailing team. Great Britain is the most successful nation in Olympic sailing history, with more gold medals won than any other nation.

Simpson juggled his sailing career with his family life. He was a devoted husband, and father to two boys, Freddie and Hamish.

Simpson's untimely death shocked the world of sailing and brought a glittering career to a premature end.

Percy described Simpson as "the friendliest, kindest man I have ever met."

Olympic hero

Sailing success

Historic win

Family man

Loss

Team spirit

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The life of Andrew Simpson

Read: Meet the America's Cup 'flying yacht'

In order to prevent defeat, Oracle Team USA need to win the final three races of the competition, starting with race 17 on Tuesday, with race 18 scheduled to take place the same day should it be required.

"We've got a huge wave of momentum. The boat's just going fantastic," Oracle Team USA skipper Jimmy Spithill told the official America's Cup website.

"That was a tough start, we had starboard entry and it was a tough time."

Read: Remembering Andrew Simpson

Emirates Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker remains confident his team can win the series despite Oracle's recent charge.

"We're very upbeat here, we know we can win," said Barker. "The Oracle guys sailed a pretty flawless race.

"There were no opportunities to get back in it. We did a better job on the downwind legs staying close, but not enough today."