As the race committee signaled the start of the opening match between the young America’s Cup contenders, only four boats were on the line. Conspicuously absent was American Magic, stranded at the top of the course, while France’s Express L’Oreal Racing had been instructed to sit out. This left Emirates Team New Zealand, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, Pathways Great Britain, and Alinghi Red Racing to battle it out in a tightly contested four-boat race.
From the outset, Emirates Team New Zealand appeared to have the edge, securing an impressive start and benefiting from a favourable left-hand wind shift. However, it wasn’t long before Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli seized control, taking advantage of a breeze funnel that gave them an optimal angle. The Italians quickly established themselves as the team to beat, maintaining their lead despite the erratic conditions.
The British team, Pathways Great Britain, also showed their mettle, staying close on the heels of the New Zealanders. Their decision to favour the left side of the course paid off, as they gained significant ground and engaged in several tight crossings with the Kiwis. It was a high-stakes game of tactics and positioning, with both teams trading blows as they fought to stay in contention.
As the fleet approached the top mark, Luna Rossa’s impeccable boat handling became apparent. Despite the swells that proved challenging for others, the Italians executed smooth tacks and precise manoeuvres, setting the stage for their continued dominance. Emirates Team New Zealand, while initially strong, struggled with a critical tack, allowing Luna Rossa to extend their lead.
The race committee further added complexity by shortening the course to 0.9 nautical miles, adapting to the shifting winds. Even with this adjustment, Luna Rossa remained unfazed. Their calm and coordinated communication showcased their focus, in stark contrast to the visible pressure on some of the other teams.
A pivotal moment came when Italy incurred a penalty relative to Pathways Great Britain. Despite this setback, the Italians managed to recover quickly, clearing their penalty and continuing to assert their lead. Meanwhile, Emirates Team New Zealand’s earlier touchdown, combined with fluctuating wind pressure, saw them fall behind, opening the door for Pathways Great Britain to solidify their position in second place.
By the halfway point, Luna Rossa was firmly in control, showing a clean pair of heels to the rest of the fleet. Their ability to keep the boat flying high on the foils, with minimal drag from the water, gave them a significant speed advantage. As they rounded the marks with precision, it became increasingly clear that the Italians were the class act of the day.
Behind them, the battle for second and third remained intense. Pathways Great Britain continued to hold off a stubborn Emirates Team New Zealand, while Alinghi Red Racing, though further back, never gave up hope, having shown their ability to finish strongly in previous races. However, it was Luna Rossa’s race to lose, and they were not about to let that happen.
With just two legs remaining, Luna Rossa had a commanding lead, while Pathways Great Britain and Emirates Team New Zealand continued their duel for the remaining podium spots. As the teams approached the final stretch, the Italians sailed with the confidence of a team in total control, crossing the finish line to claim victory in race three of Group A.
Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. Their mastery of the unpredictable conditions and flawless boat handling set them apart from their competitors, cementing their place as favourites in the Youth America’s Cup. Pathways Great Britain finished a well-earned second, having fought valiantly throughout the race, while Emirates Team New Zealand had to settle for third after a series of costly errors.
Day two of the Unicredit Youth America’s Cup showed us the sheer skill and resilience of the young sailors, with Luna Rossa emerging as the standout team. As the competition progresses, it’s clear that consistency and the ability to adapt to ever-changing conditions will be key in determining who advances to the semi-finals. For now, all eyes are on Luna Rossa, who have set a high bar for the rest of the fleet to match.
