Luna Rossa wins the second match of the day and earns a third point - Louis Vuitton Cup Final day 4
by Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli 30 Sep 16:30 BST
30 September 2024
Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli on Louis Vuitton Cup Final Race Day 4 - September 30, 2024 © David Maynard /
www.alleycatphotographer.com
Luna Rossa and INEOS Britannia still on even score, with three points each after both teams won one match today. Penalized by a start error that cost the team its first race, Luna Rossa delivered a text-book performance in the second match, showing to have an edge in the speed in some phases of the regatta.
The conditions for the AC75s on this fourth day of the Louis Vuitton Cup finals were excellent, with 18-19 knots from south-west and marginal waves. Unlike the previous day, the wind was within the limits set by the rules, allowing a timely start of the two scheduled races.
MATCH #05 - ITA vs GBR
Entering the pre-start box from the left, Luna Rossa opted to take the right side of the course but fell off the foils right before approaching the line, allowing the British to take a critical advantage. Despite the fast sailing and smooth maneuvers throughout the match, the Italian team was not able to force Ineos Britannia into making mistakes or to overtake them. GBR kept its narrow lead until the finish line.
Winner: GBR (+ 1 point)
MATCH #06 - GBR vs ITA
In a pre-start that was more aggressive than the first match, Luna Rossa won the start decisively, extending right away to the right side of the course. From that point onwards the race unfolded similarly to the previous one, but with reversed roles. Luna Rossa forced Ineos Britannia to the left side of the course, protecting the lead, which translated into a 4'' advantage at the first mark. With fast and confident maneuvers and precise tactics, Luna Rossa increased the gap at every leg, finally stretching to a 300-meter lead on the British boat. Despite the efforts by Sir Ben Ainslie's crew, Luna Rossa made no mistakes and offered no chance for a comeback, crossing the finish line 17 seconds before the British.
Winner: ITA (+ 1 point)
Luna Rossa's crew today featured Jimmy Spithill and Francesco Bruni at the helm, with Umberto Molineris and Andrea Tesei as trimmers. The cyclors on board were Enrico Voltolini and Bruno Rosetti in both races, while Paolo Simion and Luca Kirwan alternated with Cesare Gabbia and Emanuele Liuzzi.
Watch the races live on www.lunarossachallenge.com