For a full graphic of the Cup see today's printed Herald SuperSport
KEY POINTS:
MASCALZONE LATINO
Country: Italy. Boats: ITA90, ITA 99
Syndicate head: Vincenzo Onorato
Skipper: Vasco Vascotto
Designer: Harry Dunning
Estimated budget: $120 million
Boat colour: Red
Challenger ranking: 5
HISTORY
Led by Italian shipping and ferry service magnate Vincenzo Onorato Mascalzone Latino have high expectations for their second consecutive America's Cup challenge. Inthe last cup the "Latin Rascals", made it clear they were competing to gain experience for further challenges. This time they have more money which has allowed them to build two boats and hire more experienced sailors. Representing the Reale Yacht Club Canottieri Savoia, Mascalzone Latino have their sights set on a semifinal spot.
CREW
They are led on the water by skipper and tactician Vasco Vascotto. Flavio Favini and Jes Gram-Hansen share the helming duties. Gram-Hansen placed fourth in the 2004/05 world match racing circuit. He has sailed a bit with New Zealander Russell Coutts in recent years, who will no doubt have given him some tips on how to improve his game. New Zealander Cameron Dunn also features in the afterguard.
STRENGTHS
Mascalzone Latino are a well-funded campaign who now have one cup challenge behind them. Extremely enthusiastic, Mascalzone Latino have the potential to rattle some of the more favoured sides as they showed in last week's fleet racing regatta where they finished third overall behind Alinghi and Team New Zealand.
PROSPECTS
Mascalzone Latino's first new boat ITA90 had structural issues which set back their sailing programme. Their second boat appears to be going well and might just secure them a place in the semis. But it won't be easy.
