Luna Rossa remains at 4 points on the leaderboard after Day 3 of the Louis Vuitton Cup Semi-Finals
by Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli 16 Sep 10:00 PDT
16 September 2024
Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli vs. New York Yacht Club American Magic on Louis Vuitton Cup Semi-Finals Day 3 – 16th September 2024 © Ricardo Pinto / America’s Cup
Luna Rossa failed to capitalize on the chance to secure the match point, losing Race #5 to American Magic in the only match held today.
The lack of wind on the racecourse was so significant that the Committee opted not to start the last two matches planned for the day. The Louis Vuitton Cup Semi-Finals will continue on Wednesday, September 18.
MATCH #05 – USA vs ITA
It was an exceptionally challenging race, starting under borderline conditions for the AC75 boats, with paltry winds of 7/8 knots and inconsistent breezes throughout the course. With a strong start against their rivals, Luna Rossa led the American boat and increased their advantage halfway up the first upwind leg, rounding the mark with a 17-second lead, which they maintained until the next mark.
However, during the second upwind leg, after a series of very tight crossings that resulted in two penalties for the Italian boat, the situation changed, and American Magic took the lead. The distance remained minimal, with both boats approaching the next downwind gate nearly side by side.
Luna Rossa decided to round the same mark as the Americans, entering on the inside with just a one-second difference, but then lost lift off the foils. From that moment, it became impossible for the Italian boat to regain foil speed and alter the outcome.
Winner: USA (+1)
Luna Rossa’s crew for today included Jimmy Spithill and Francesco Bruni at the helm, with Umberto Molineris and Andrea Tesei as trimmers. Onboard cyclors were Enrico Voltolini, Bruno Rosetti, Cesare Gabbia, and Emanuele Liuzzi.
