Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli at the Puig Women’s America’s Cup – Day 1
by Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli 5 October 14:29 PDT
5 October 2024
Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli – Puig Women’s America’s Cup – Day 1, Group A – October 5, 2024 © Carlo Borlenghi / Luna Rossa
A remarkable start for the Luna Rossa women’s team on the inaugural day of the Puig Women’s America’s Cup, finishing with three victories out of four races, and taking the lead in the temporary rankings.
The initial day’s weather was particularly challenging, with the first two races held in light and inconsistent winds alongside significant swell and unexpected gusts that caused many teams to lose foiling capabilities, forcing them into displacement mode. The final two races were held back by the Race Committee to let the winds stabilize at 14/15 knots from S/SW.
RACE #01
Following a slightly postponed start, Luna Rossa quickly gained speed on the right side of the course and rounded the first mark 12 seconds behind the leader. However, while transitioning down, the Italian team fell into displacement mode and struggled to return to foiling, losing several positions. Despite this setback, the Luna Rossa crew performed well throughout the race and managed to climb back, finishing in fourth place.
Luna Rossa: 4th place (+3 points).
RACE #02
In a complete turnaround, Luna Rossa claimed victory in a challenging second race. Despite a delayed start, the Italian team rounded the first mark in fourth but cleverly exploited a sudden drop in wind at the leeward gate. While the leaders struggled with displacement mode on the following upwind leg, Luna Rossa opted for the advantageous side of the course, maintaining their lead and finishing strong.
Luna Rossa: 1st place (+10 points).
RACE #03
Despite a late start on the left side of the line, Luna Rossa made significant progress on the upwind leg, successfully penalizing New Zealand during the final cross and rounding the first mark in second place behind the British team. On the downwind leg, the British boat incurred a penalty for boundary crossing and fell off the foils, allowing Luna Rossa to capitalize on the opportunity and take the lead, which they maintained until the finish.
Luna Rossa: 1st place (+10 points).
RACE #04
The final race of the day commenced in a SW breeze at 15 knots. Luna Rossa got off to a strong start in the middle of the pack and engaged in a close contest with the British and American teams during the initial upwind leg. At the first mark, the Italian boat rounded in second place behind GBR. Led by Giulia Conti and Margherita Porro, the crew executed a seamless downwind leg, overtaking the British team and gaining a 50-meter advantage at the leeward gate. The second beat became a match race against the British, but Luna Rossa successfully defended their lead, rounding ahead. The Italian team increased their advantage to win the day’s fourth race.
Luna Rossa: 1st place (+10 points).
The Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli crew consists of Giulia Conti, Margherita Porro (helmswomen), Maria Giubilei, and Giulia Fava (trimmers).
