Luna Rossa celebrate the win over American Magic during the semi-finals of the Prada Cup. Luna Rossa beat American Magic 4-0. Photo / Dean Purcell.
Luna Rossa celebrate the win over American Magic during the semi-finals of the Prada Cup. Luna Rossa beat American Magic 4-0. Photo / Dean Purcell.
Luna Rossa have been quick to claim underdog status for the Prada Cup final – though are hopeful a series of key improvements can bridge the gap with Ineos Team UK.
Though the racing was mostly close, the Italians were unable to beat the British during the round robin series,with Sir Ben Ainslie's crew winning all three clashes.
Since then Ineos Team UK have had extra development time, with Ainslie admitting they had the luxury of keeping Britannia in the shed for an entire week, to tinker and refine.
"For sure we are the underdogs," said Luna Rossa skipper Max Sirena on Thursday, as the shadow boxing began. "We went to the semifinal, these guys went straight to the final, so they are the guys to beat."
However Sirena added that facing the elimination scenario against American Magic was their preferred route to the decider, despite the risk.
"When we sailed last time [against Ineos] I was disappointed with the result but kind of happy," said Sirena. "People need to understand we have only raced a few times in these boats. So every racing day is gold, because you push the boat and the crew really hard."
The Italians made a noticeable performance jump in the semifinal – even allowing for the limitations of Patriot – and are confident there is more to come.
Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team. Photo / Photosport.co.nz
Sirena revealed they have deployed new foils, modified the mast and added a new set of backstays. They have also enhanced the software system and developed their sails.
Perhaps most importantly, the Italians say they have ironed out the bugs in their crew work, which was the difference in at least two of their previous races against the British.
"[There has been] a lot of improvement of the comms on board," explained Sirena. "We did a lot of mistakes when we raced against them, we want to try to come out with one less mistake than them this time. We didn't execute as we should have.
"You are racing the America's Cup...not the grandfather's Cup. We know what we did wrong against them. We worked really hard, we needed to be honest and perform to the maximum if you want to win."
"They will be tough to beat but we have prepared the team and the boat for this fight," said Sirena. "The real enemy is ourselves. It is not actually Ineos or Ben, we need to sail well against ourselves."
Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli celebrate their semi-final win in the Prada Cup in front of cheering crowds at the Prada team base. Photo / Dean Purcell.
Ainslie wore a look of quiet confidence, given their perceived development advantages since early January.
He said "time will tell" when asked about their subsequent step forward but admitted they have made the most of their extended window since the round robin, thanks to the tireless shore crew.
Ainslie doesn't fear the Italians – "We don't fear anything. You shouldn't do if you are going into a race" – but has great respect for Luna Rossa and especially former Oracle teammate Jimmy Spithill.
"He's a great competitor, a great sailor and for whatever reason, whenever we race against each other it normally ends up being pretty exciting."
Ainslie also admitted that, while fully focused on the Prada Cup final, they have been monitoring Team New Zealand closely.
"We know they have the latest set of foils and some other upgrades to the boat," said Ainslie. "They are clearly going really well, as they were through the World Series. We have to get through the Prada Cup [first], but whoever comes through this battle will know the Kiwis are going to be incredibly fast.
"It will be fascinating to see the trade-off between a team that has had more time to develop and a team that has had more time on the race course and [how] that ends up in the America's Cup final.
"We are all trying to make our mark in the history of the America's Cup and we know that whichever team gets through to race Team New Zealand it is going to be a very special period, racing on the Hauraki gulf against an incredibly tough team."
Heading into the Cup racing?
• Give yourself plenty of time and think about catching a ferry, train or bus to watch the Cup.
• Make sure your AT HOP card is in your pocket. It's the best way to ride.
• Don't forget to scan QR codes with the NZ COVID Tracer app when on public transport and entering the America's Cup Village.
