Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli overcomes challenges to reach the Louis Vuitton Cup Final
by 37th America’s Cup media 19 Sep 09:35 PDT
18 September 2024
Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, representing Circolo della Vela Sicilia yacht club, secured their spot in the Louis Vuitton Cup Final after a tense race against NYYC American Magic, which raised more questions than answers before the race began.
The Italian shore team worked tirelessly overnight to fix a damaged mainsail traveler track system that had failed during the semi-final race, allowing the American team to win that match, closing the series to 4-3. This morning, the weary Italian shore team, looking like ‘zombies’, was rewarded for their efforts as the Italian boat shone in the Barcelona sun, restored to its previous formidable form from earlier in the semi-final.
The race was fiercely contested from the outset, with American Magic’s Tom Slingsby skillfully winning the start and making the first cross upwind. However, a poor tack on the second cross ultimately cost American Magic, enabling the Italians to sail through to leeward and take a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
In the shifting southeast breeze over a relatively calm sea, Luna Rossa initially extended their lead, but strategic decisions on the second upwind leg allowed American Magic to close the gap, trailing by only eight seconds at the halfway mark.
By seizing a significant pressure patch on the second downwind leg, the Italians were able to extend their lead. For American Magic, the final upwind leg was a desperate attempt to gain ground, but unfortunately, no opportunities arose, allowing Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli to finish with a final delta of 61 seconds, securing their place in the Louis Vuitton Cup Final against INEOS Britannia, set to begin on Thursday, September 26.
Celebrations erupted on the water as the Italians relieved the tension built up over the previous twenty-four hours. Onshore, fans at the Official Race Village and the fanzones in Bogatell and Plaça de Mar mirrored the joy felt by the sailors, applauding and cheering even during the team’s afternoon presentation on the main stage. The passionate Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli fans are sure to make their presence felt during the Louis Vuitton Cup Final races.
After the two boats lowered their sails, Luna Rossa executed a classy ‘sail-by’, with the Italian crew applauding their American opponents in a sportsmanlike display that reflected the spirit of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup.
Jimmy Spithill, captain of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, expressed pride in his team’s overnight achievements, stating: “The dedication from the shore team was incredible considering what happened yesterday; a lesser group might have crumbled. I’ve experienced this in my eighth consecutive campaign, where you often face moments that test your team’s character, and yesterday was one such occasion.”
“We had to react, and the shore team stepped up to the plate, working through the night to ensure our boat was ready. It’s motivating to see that level of dedication and teamwork in action.”
Francesco Bruni, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli’s port helm, came ashore relieved and grateful to reach the Louis Vuitton Cup Final, asserting: “That win was pivotal because we were recovering from a setback, and we achieved it by sailing a clean race with sound decisions while managing pressure. We had a tough night post-breakdown, and as a crew, we wanted to reward the shore team with a solid win, and we did.”
For NYYC American Magic, their journey in the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup concluded today. For the New York Yacht Club, the event’s originator and former holder of the famous ewer for 132 years, the wait continues for the trophy to return to their West 44th Street clubhouse in Manhattan.
After the loss, Tom Slingsby, starboard helmsman for the American team, conveyed his emotional response, stating: “It’s brutal stepping ashore. You’re representing many people on the water, with over sixty individuals back at the base counting on you. It’s a massive team effort, and it’s tough. You have to accept your wounds, acknowledge the stronger opponent, and aim to come back better.”
Port helmsman for NYYC American Magic, Lucas Calabrese, who filled in for the injured Paul Goodison, shared his reflections on the campaign: “I remember the tremendous effort everyone put in over the last two and a half years, the late nights, and early mornings. I’m incredibly proud of how we represented our team. We never gave up, which I believe is vital. There’s hope for the future, and I’m grateful to our team leaders for making this campaign happen.”
Calabrese also expressed compassion for Paul Goodison, remarking: “No one wanted that situation. It took me time to process what Goody was enduring. I genuinely feel for him; he has worked hard for many years – not just the last two – to reach this point. We kept him in our thoughts while racing.”
Onshore, the sailors exchanged friendly and professional handshakes and hugs, with Francesco Bruni praising the NYYC American Magic Team, stating: “They did a fantastic job, honestly. They put us under significant pressure as strong competitors. Lucas’s performance at this level is truly impressive. Congratulations to all the team – having a strong opponent made us stronger, and we owe that to them.”
Thus, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli secured their spot in the second consecutive Challenger Selection Series Final, and after their comeback win today, they will carry a wave of momentum forward.
Their opponent now is a driven Challenger of Record, INEOS Britannia, who earned their Final spot yesterday by defeating Alinghi Red Bull Racing 5-2.
It’s impossible to determine a clear favorite; it’s truly anyone’s Final. However, as demonstrated in these thrilling Louis Vuitton Cup Semi-Final matchups, unexpected events happen – and in the America’s Cup, they usually do.
