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Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli has finished the Final Preliminary Regatta in Barcelona in an impressive second place after four intense days of racing that showcased the team’s strength in both design and sailing performance.
On the final day, Luna Rossa secured a thrilling victory against Alinghi Red Bull Racing but fell short in the final match against the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, who emerged as the event’s champions.
Max Sirena, Skipper and Team Director of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, stated, "Today is the final day of the preliminary races, and if the audience was expecting a show, they got it. Although we would have preferred to finish with a victory over ETNZ, which was within our reach, we are overall positive about these days. We have a high-performing boat that will allow us to compete fiercely against all our opponents. It’s a good feeling as we head into the Challenger Selection Series next week."
Francesco "Checco" Bruni, helmsman for Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, expressed some disappointment regarding the closing day, noting, "We made some mistakes when we got close, and there are definitely some umpire decisions that require interpretation. However, the positive aspect is that the boat performs well, the crew is strong, and we are ready to fight in the upcoming races."
Looking ahead, measurement checks are scheduled for August 26, 27, and 28, with racing set to resume on August 29 for the first day of the Round Robin of the Louis Vuitton Cup.
MATCH 14 – ITA vs SUI
In this match, both boats entered the pre-start box separately, but just seconds before the start, Alinghi forced Luna Rossa to cross the line early, resulting in a penalty. The Swiss team took an early lead, maintaining it until a sudden loss of control on their AC75 caused them to drop off the foils. Luna Rossa capitalized on this, closing in rapidly.
After serving a penalty for an infraction that was later deemed unfounded due to an electronic positioning system malfunction, Luna Rossa engaged Alinghi in a series of tacking duels. The Italian team gained meters, rounding the third gate with a 12-second lead. From that point, Luna Rossa opted to control the race, maintaining their lead despite challenging conditions and crossing the finish line first.
Winner: ITA
FINAL – NZL vs ITA
This match race was thrilling and intense, concluding just before the finish. Luna Rossa faced three penalties that ultimately cost them the race. Right from the start, tensions were high, and Luna Rossa incurred a right-of-way penalty, but they remained determined to close the gap. By the second gate, they had separated and taken advantage of stronger shifts on the right side of the course, leveling the competition.
The final leg was neck-and-neck, with aggressive crossings from both teams. Unfortunately, Luna Rossa incurred two additional penalties, allowing the Kiwis to leverage their advantage and control the race until they crossed the finish line.
Winner: NZL
Today’s crew for Luna Rossa included Jimmy Spithill and Francesco Bruni at the helm, supported by trimmers Umberto Molineris and Andrea Tesei. Cyclors on board were Enrico Voltolini and Emanuele Liuzzi, who participated in both races, while Nicholas Brezzi and Mattia Camboni alternated with Luca Kirwan and Cesare Gabbia.
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Emily Carter, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Vancouver, has a deep-seated passion for the ocean that has shaped her career. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of British Columbia, Emily has become known for her captivating and detailed storytelling. Her work vividly portrays the excitement of sailing and the distinct maritime culture of Canada, earning her a respected place in the sailing community. When not writing, Emily enjoys navigating the rugged coastlines of British Columbia and participating in local regattas, always eager to embark on her next maritime adventure.
