For many, the highlight of the race was the poised leadership of Luna Rossa’s young skipper, Marko Gradoni. At just 19 years old, Gradoni is the youngest sailor in the competition, and the only one to compete in both the Youth America’s Cup and the senior series. His mature handling of the boat, under high-pressure conditions, left a lasting impression, with many already tipping him as a future star in the world of professional sailing.
The Build-Up to the Final
As the final race dawned, both teams knew that everything was on the line. The day began with perfect conditions—winds ranging from 12 to 16 knots swept across the Mediterranean, creating an ideal stage for the grand finale. Spectators gathered along the coastline, eager to witness whether the Italians could maintain their dominance or whether the USA would stage a remarkable upset.
Tensions were high. The Americans had shown incredible grit to make it to the final, edging past tough competition with resilience and speed. Their aggressive racing style had earned them praise, but it also left them vulnerable to errors, and these would ultimately be their undoing.
From the start, the pressure seemed to get the better of the USA. In their eagerness, they entered the course early, incurring an immediate penalty. It was a costly mistake—one that left them trailing Luna Rossa by 80 metres before the race had even properly begun. Though they would soon pay off the penalty and re-enter the race, the Italians seized on the advantage, surging ahead with precision.
The Italians Take Control
By the time both teams reached the first gate, Italy’s lead had grown to 150 metres. Luna Rossa, led by Gradoni, demonstrated their technical superiority, executing a near-flawless passage through the gate. In stark contrast, the USA suffered a crucial touchdown coming out of the first gate—a moment that defined the rest of their race.
The touchdown, caused by a brief loss of balance on the foils, forced the American boat to slow dramatically, leaving them 400 metres behind. Although they managed to recover quickly and avoid a complete stall, the damage was done. The Italians, sailing smoothly and maintaining an average speed of 42 knots, capitalised on the error and extended their lead to 570 metres by the second gate.
The Fight to Catch Up
The American crew, to their credit, didn’t give up. As they entered leg three, they managed to close the gap slightly, reducing the distance to 350 metres. It was a valiant effort, but the Italians were unrelenting, and their consistency shone through.
Italy’s performance at the third gate was yet another demonstration of their mastery. Luna Rossa sailed through the halfway point of the race at 10 minutes and 43 seconds, with the USA following 35 seconds later. Despite the Americans’ efforts to claw back time, the Italian team’s efficiency and clean handling of the boat continued to stretch their lead.
By the time the Italians entered leg four, they had extended their advantage to 730 metres. Both teams flew down the course at blistering speeds, battling not only each other but the choppy 1.5-metre waves and shifting winds that added to the day’s difficulty. The USA, struggling with the challenging conditions, took another light nose dive at gate four, all but sealing their fate.
The Final Blow and Italy’s Triumph
As Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli approached the final gate, it was clear that they were headed for a decisive victory. The Italian boat rounded the last gate at 17 minutes and 32 seconds, nearly 800 metres ahead of the Americans, who, despite their best efforts, had lost ground. The gap at this point was insurmountable.
Italy crossed the finish line at 20 minutes and 11 seconds, claiming victory in what can only be described as a masterclass of racing. The USA followed 36 seconds later, their hopes dashed by the combination of costly errors and the Italians’ superior tactics.
Reactions and Looking Forward
As the Italians celebrated their win, the sporting world took notice of Marko Gradoni’s exceptional leadership. At just 19, he has already made a name for himself on the global sailing stage. “It was a tough race, but we stayed calm and focused,” Gradoni said after the race. “I’m incredibly proud of the team. We worked so hard for this, and today it paid off.”
Even the umpires and rival teams offered their congratulations, acknowledging the skill and determination that had brought Luna Rossa to this point.
For the USA, it was a day of reflection. Despite their loss, they had shown tremendous promise throughout the competition, and many of their sailors will no doubt be eager to learn from the experience. “It’s disappointing, of course,” said the USA skipper, “but we gave it everything we had. We’ll come back stronger.”
The Future of Youth Sailing
This victory not only marks a high point for Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli but also shines a light on the future of youth sailing. The Youth America’s Cup has long been a breeding ground for future stars, and this year was no exception. With Marko Gradoni leading the charge, it’s clear that the next generation of sailors is ready to make its mark on the senior circuit.
As the celebrations in Italy continue, the sailing world is left wondering: could this be the beginning of a new chapter in Luna Rossa’s storied history? Only time will tell.
