Time for Women - Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli ready for the Puig Women's America's Cup
by Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli 5 Oct 11:45 BST
Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team ready for the Puig Women's America's Cup © Luca Butto / Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli
After the success of the Youth Team in the UniCredit Youth America's Cup, it is now time for the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli women to prove themselves in the Puig Women's America's Cup, scheduled to start today.
As with the Under-25 event, twelve crews are entered, six of these from the America's Cup teams and six by invitation, divided in Group 1 and Group 2. In the initial qualifying rounds each group will compete in up to eight fleet races.
At the end of these races the top three teams from each group will advance to a fleet race final (four races) to determine both the overall ranking and the top two teams to compete in the Final match race.
The PWAC will be raced on One Design AC40 foiling monohulls. Each boat has a crew of four, consisting of two helmswomen and two trimmers. Cyclists are not required, as the sail and foil control systems are powered by batteries. The format, which mirrors the Preliminary Regatta stages held in Vilanova i La Geltrú and Jeddah, features fleet races followed by a Final match race showdown.
At the press conference Giulia Conti, skipper and helmswoman of the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli women's team, commented: "The victory of the youth team at the UniCredit Youth America's Cup is a great motivation for us because it shows that the work we've done together with the boys over these years has paid off. We feel the support of the whole team behind us; there are no men or women, just one group working together towards the same goal.
"As for the upcoming days, we've done well in the Practice Races and now we just need to go out and repeat those performances. But most importantly, we need to enjoy this experience, one of the best in my sailing career".
The Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli starting crew for the Puig Women's America's Cup will feature: Giulia Conti, Margherita Porro (helmswomen), Maria Giubilei, and Giulia Fava (trimmers).
Puig Women's America's Cup - Schedule:
- October 5: Group 1 (4 fleet races)
- October 6: Group 2 (4 fleet races)
- October 8: Group 1 (4 fleet races)
- October 9: Group 2 (4 fleet races)
- October 11: The top three teams from each group will compete in the final (four races)
- October 13: Final match race