Luna Rossa picked up two wins from two. Photo / Michael Craig
Luna Rossa picked up two wins from two. Photo / Michael Craig
Luna Rossa underwent a "small revolution" over the last week, which has put them in a prime position to qualify for the Prada Cup final.
If American Magic's against the odds return was the main talking point before Friday's Prada Cup semifinal action, all the post-race discussion centred on LunaRossa's transformation.
It was only two races, but they were expertly navigated from start to finish, in conditions that co-helmsman Francesco Bruni described as the toughest of the regatta so far.
They made gains on 14 of the 16 legs, won by significant margins (2:43) and 3:07) and in the second race were a couple of knots faster both upwind and downwind.
American Magic might be wounded, but Luna Rossa didn't give them a single opening.
The Italian boat looked smooth, with more speed and stability. Their slick crew work was a marked improvement on the hesitant output in the round robin series. They were also superb in the pre-start – against an admitted edgy American Magic – and almost flawless with their decision making.
"We cannot be happier," said Bruni. "We are very happy with the improvements made to the boat and the period between last weekend and [Friday] has been very important for the team. We improved the boat, we improved the sailing team, the communication…it's a better package and we proved it."
Luna Rossa and American Magic racing yesterday. Photo / Michael Craig
The Italians were under considerable pressure last weekend, after a narrow loss to Ineos Team UK ended a disappointing preliminary series and consigned them to this elimination contest with American Magic.
"Nobody wants to lose," said Bruni. "[But] it's not about how you lose; it's about how you react. We knew we had to react, to improve in every department; Boat speed, tactical decisions, the sailing team in general.
"I'm very proud because in six days we have made a small revolution and I feel a lot stronger as a team now."
Jimmy Spithill had a day to remember in the starting duels, leaving Dean Barker in his wake on both occasions as Luna Rossa flew off the line. The second race showed fine judgement – crossing with a second to spare – but demonstrated the confidence on the European boat.
"It was important to plan the day," said Bruni. "[There is] no time for last-minute calls and if you do one you are really doing something that you shouldn't.
"[We tried] to keep everybody cool and calm because conditions were very hard. [Jimmy and I] lead by example; if we start screaming the boat goes bad."
Luna Rossa picked up two wins from two. Photo / Michael Craig
Since the first practice racing in December, the Italians have been marked as light air specialists, in anticipation of Auckland's traditional late summer weather patterns.
But they showed another side on Friday, outperforming Patriot in heavy breezes, which were meant to favour the American boat. But Bruni downplayed talk of a trade-off, explaining that Luna Rossa have simply become more consistent across the scale and they remain confident when the wind drops.
That theory will be tested today, with a forecast of between eight and 10 knots for the expected 3.15pm start.
"When the conditions change, everything changes," said Bruni. "We know our boat can sail very fast and very well."
"If it is what we call marginal foiling [on Saturday] then it is a really open race. You can be in a lull and the other boat just sails away so we have to be very careful; focus on the day, don't think about the boat, don't think about the points – [just] think race by race."
Heading into the Cup racing?
• Give yourself plenty of time and think about catching a ferry, train or bus to watch the Cup.
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• Don't forget to scan QR codes with the NZ COVID Tracer app when on public transport and entering the America's Cup Village.
