Team New Zealand have advanced directly to the semi-finals of the Louis Vuitton Trophy yachting regatta.

Team NZ again had to bide their time today as the Louis Vuitton Trophy yachting regatta in Italy was hit by a collision that damaged two of the four boats being used.

Jessica Watson is dating an English sailor who also sailed solo around the world, and has her eyes set on the Sydney-to-Hobart race.

More stormy seas for solo round-the-world yachtie Jessica Watson today.