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Louis Vuitton Cup Day 1: Luna Rossa Secures Strong Win Over Orient Express
The wait is over as the Challenger Selection Series for the 37th America’s Cup begins, determining the Challenger who will face the Defender in the final match. The stakes are high, with only four teams advancing to the semifinals after two elimination rounds, while one team will be eliminated.
Luna Rossa triumphed over the French team, Orient Express, earning their first point in the standings. Although the Italian team lost their previous regatta against the Defender, it did not influence their points for the Louis Vuitton Cup.
Max Sirena, Skipper and Team Director of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, stated: “Today, the Louis Vuitton Cup begins with two Round Robins on a very tight schedule, meaning it’s going to be a long series of races. It may appear straightforward to outsiders, but it involves crucial decisions for the team. We had to declare our boat’s wings, rudders, and other components five days before the races, locking in our configuration. Weather conditions can change drastically in that time. We understand that we have the potential to perform well and grow throughout the series. Our focus is on approaching every race with thorough preparation and maximizing our performance in critical moments.”
Day one presented challenging conditions for the AC75s with very light winds, causing a delay in the first match until 3:00 PM. The crews had to skillfully navigate and maintain their foils in just 7-8 knots of wind.
RACE #2: ITA vs. NZL
Luna Rossa started strong on the left but after leading the race until the second upwind leg, they faced a challenging encounter with the New Zealand team. A crucial maneuver allowed the Kiwis to overtook Luna Rossa, securing their lead until the finish. Note that this match does not count towards the standings.
Winner: NZL (0 pts)
RACE #4: FRA vs. ITA
Energized by their previous victory, the French team came into the race aggressively. The boats raced neck-and-neck, but Luna Rossa pulled ahead on the first upwind leg, gaining a 27-second lead that increased to 34 seconds at the next gate. The Italian crew focused on avoiding mistakes and capitalizing on shifts in the light breeze to secure their first victory in the Louis Vuitton Cup.
Winner: ITA (+1 pt)
Luna Rossa’s crew featured Jimmy Spithill and Francesco Bruni at the helm, with Umberto Molineris and Andrea Tesei as trimmers. The cyclors included Enrico Voltolini, Bruno Rosetti, and Cesare Gabbia, with Emanuele Liuzzi alternating with Luca Kirwan.
Tomorrow, Luna Rossa is set to compete in Match #7 against the USA team, NYYC American Magic.
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Ava Thompson, a skilled sailor and marine journalist from Auckland, has developed a deep connection to the ocean that guides her work. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Auckland, Ava is known for her engaging and detailed storytelling. Her writing brings to life the thrill of sailing and the unique maritime culture of New Zealand, earning her recognition in the sailing community. Outside of her journalism, Ava enjoys exploring the rugged coastlines of New Zealand and competing in local regattas, always in search of her next seafaring adventure.
