Luna Rossa secures a place in the Puig Women’s America’s Cup Match Race Final
by Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli 11 Oct 12:39 PDT
11 October 2024
Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Women’s Team Italy during Puig Women’s America’s Cup Semi Final Race 4 – October 11, 2024 © David Maynard / www.alleycatphotographer.com
Luna Rossa finished in second place in the Puig Women’s America’s Cup elimination series and semifinals with 39 points after a taxing day that lasted from 10:10 am to 7:00 pm.
The conditions throughout the day were challenging and marginal, leading to numerous delays and the return of boats to shore. The Race Committee made the decision that Race #6 would serve as the final qualification round, with the Semifinals to be held later that afternoon based on the results after Race #6. After waiting more than six hours for wind, the committee successfully launched Race #6 at 4:00 pm in around 9 knots from the southeast but was compelled to cancel it midway through the first beat due to a sudden wind drop. The race resumed at 4:30 PM, with Luna Rossa finishing fourth and qualifying for the semifinals.
QUALIFICATIONS – RACE #06
Luna Rossa had a solid start and quickly extended towards the right side of the course, leading alongside GBR during the initial part of the upwind leg. However, during a tack, the boat lost its foils and dropped down, rounding the first mark in fifth. Despite the unpredictable weather, the Italian team managed to regain some ground but was unable to change their position, finishing fourth in the race.
Luna Rossa: 4th (+ 3 points).
SEMIFINAL – RACE #01
Starting at 5:30 pm in 9 knots of wind, Luna Rossa executed a flawless start and moved to the right side of the course, finding itself in second place at the first crossing. On the downwind leg, the Italian team adeptly navigated the wind shifts, reaching the gate neck-and-neck with the Swedish team. Luna Rossa rounded the mark on the inside and maintained its position. Throughout the final leg, skipper Giulia Conti and helmswoman Margherita Porro attempted to surpass the Spanish team but finished second, just seven seconds behind.
Luna Rossa: 2nd (+ 7 points).
SEMIFINAL – RACE #02
This race was a standout for Luna Rossa, as the crew dominated from the start. The second semifinal race was highly competitive from the pre-start phase, with several tacks and penalties issued. Luna Rossa did incur a penalty but quickly recovered, rounding the first gate in the lead. The Italian team maneuvered expertly in the wind shifts while maintaining clean, rapid maneuvering on foils until the race concluded, claiming a decisive victory.
Luna Rossa: 1st (+ 10 points).
SEMIFINAL – RACE #03
Luna Rossa put in another strong performance. Despite not having the best start, the crew pressed forward to claim second place midway through the first upwind leg and held that position at every mark until the finish.
Luna Rossa: 2nd (+ 7 points).
SEMIFINAL – RACE #04
Despite facing an OCS and a penalty, Luna Rossa made a recovery to take the lead of the fleet, which they held until the second gate. A sudden lull impacted them on the third leg, leading to a drop to fourth place, which they maintained to the finish.
Luna Rossa: 4th (+ 2 points).
The Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli crew consists of Giulia Conti, Margherita Porro (helmswomen), Maria Giubilei, and Giulia Fava (trimmers).
