Puig Women’s America’s Cup Final – Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli vs. Athena Pathway
by Mark Jardine 12 Oct 07:00 PDT
12 October 2024
Puig Women’s America’s Cup Final – October 12, 2024 © Ian Roman / America’s Cup
After a week of AC40 fleet racing, the final winner of the Puig Women’s America’s Cup came down to a single match race.
With the Italians running late into the starting area, the opportunity was there for the British to launch an offensive, but they opted to stick to their strategy and play it safe.
The two teams took their respective positions, with Luna Rossa positioned ahead and to leeward as they crossed the line almost simultaneously in speed and timing. The Italians, utilizing their leeward position, took advantage with a high-speed approach that created disturbed air for the British. Both teams tacked together at the boundary, separated by a mere 29 meters.
Luna Rossa displayed impressive speed throughout the week, stretching out in a straight line, while Athena Pathway gained ground through two tacks at the first windward gate, rounding just six seconds behind.
The British team opted for a close downwind strategy, but the Italians took control on the second upwind leg, matching their rivals tack for tack, extending their lead to eleven seconds as they rounded the second windward gate, selecting different marks to round.
Luna Rossa experienced a brief touch in the large waves, which allowed Athena Pathway to narrow the gap to just 60 meters on the second downwind leg, as the British team chose to round the opposite leeward gate mark, seeking more pressure. It was the first time they had clear air.
When the boats re-engaged, Luna Rossa had slightly increased their lead, and as they tacked, Athena Pathway maintained clear air by tacking away, but time was not on the Brits’ side.
At the final windward gate, Luna Rossa rounded with a nineteen-second lead, needing only to maintain clear air downwind to secure victory.
Athena Pathway pushed as hard as possible, closing the gap to just 100 meters, but Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli ultimately won the inaugural Puig Women’s America’s Cup by eight seconds.
Celebration erupted on the Italian boat after the finish. They had navigated brilliantly throughout the race.
After the finish, Italian skipper Giulia Conti said, “I’m speechless. We’ve put in so much effort with the boys constantly supporting us. I can’t believe this.”
Regarding her teammates, Conti remarked, “They are incredible, phenomenal sailors. I have such deep affection for them. The strength of this team is unparalleled; the cohesion is extraordinary. I’ve never felt anything like this in my entire sailing career.”
British skipper Hannah Mills graciously accepted defeat, stating, “Huge congratulations to Giulia and the Italians. What an incredible race. I’m so proud of all the competitors in this women’s event and how everyone has conducted themselves while truly shining on the world stage.”
