The first day of the Prada Cup semifinals couldn't have gone better for LunRoss. The Italian team won both races superiorly against American Magic. The two helmsmen of the "Red Moon", Jimmy Spithill and Francesco Bruni, made two perfect starts against their rival Dean Barker on the American boat. This was followed by two constant, clean races in each case, in which they further extended their lead over the Americans.
The repetition of both races
The wind was sometimes up to 22 knots, American Magic set a speed record for the 75-foot Krakenfoiler of 53.31 knots in the first race.
However, this could not hide the fact that the team around skipper Terry Hutchinson has apparently lost its slight superiority in strong winds after the spectacular capsize in the Round Robin and the subsequent extensive repairs. With a reduced mainsail and a tiny genu, the resistance was apparently reduced so much that the speed record could be set, but the boat was unstable compared to the Italians.
So "Patriot" fell off the foils several times on the downwind passage, which shouldn't happen with this wind force. The maneuvers and barrel rounds also looked shakier than the Italians, who brought both races to the finish in a relaxed and unhindered manner from the front.
American Magic in Lee, controlled by LunRossa
Luna Rossa helmsman Francesco Bruni was very satisfied: "We are not coming from a great time because we did not meet the standard we wanted, so there was a bit of excitement. In the past the boat was not the fastest in strong winds But we knew we had made some big performance improvements, we saw very good numbers, and today we felt the difference on the water too."
Terry Hutchinson was apparently above all satisfied with having made it back into the race: "Twelve days ago I would not have thought that this would be possible. It's a short series, but we still have some meat on our bones. to keep working on us."
For the next two races, starting tonight at 3 a.m., 15 knots with stronger gusts are predicted off Auckland. If the Americans fail to strike back decisively and LunRoss scores two more victories, this Cup is over for "Pariot" and the Italians join Ineos Team UK in the final of the PradCup.
All races are broadcast live free of charge and are on the Cup website, on Youtube as Facebook to pursue. No extra app is required for mobile devices. The reps should be made available on these channels immediately after the end of each race.