A duel against the English
After the elimination of American Magic, the Prada Cup final pitted the Italians of Luna Rossa against the English of Ineos. The start of the race was not to the advantage of the English, as Luna Rossa won the first four encounters.
The crew led by Sir Ben Ainslie had shown a surprising potential for progress in the weeks leading up to the start of the final. In spite of the start phases skilfully led by the British helmsman, Luna Rossa showed a higher speed and kept the advantage from the very first tacks. Too typical for the medium wind, Ineos was unable to do anything to keep up with the Italian challenge, led by James Spithill (starboard helmsman) and Francesco Bruni (port helmsman).
Regattas delayed by Covid
True to form, Covid 19 came to disrupt the final week of the regatta to choose the challenger for Team New Zealand. While the Italians dominated their opponent, the regattas were suspended for four days.
The English managed to save their honour by winning a heat on the third day of the regatta, but the light weather forecast for the fourth day dashed their last hopes of a comeback. Luna Rossa won both heats of the day without difficulty, once again demonstrating its ease in the light airs.
Statistically, the wind conditions are rather light in February off Auckland. The Italians are entering the America's Cup with a perfectly tuned foiler, well adapted to the conditions.
This is the third time in 30 years that the Italian challenge has taken on the role of challenger, after ll Moro di Venezia in San Diego in 1992, and Luna Rossa in 2000... in Auckland!
Entry into the Defender Team New Zealand arena
Now it's time for the final battle. The New Zealand monster is ready to face the Italian crew. Luna Rossa wasn't among the favourites before the start of the Prada Cup, which it won brilliantly. Anything is possible in the Cup. See you on March 6, 2021 for the first regatta of the 36th America's Cup!
