America’s Cup, the preliminary races: Luna Rossa in the lead after the second day

Naples today was bustling, dazzling – the perfect setting for the preliminary races of the 38th America’s Cup. It could be described as a city ‘overlooking’ the Gulf. For the spectators weren’t just the many boats out at sea. Every house and terrace in the Posillipo district, along the Riviera – in short, wherever there was a sea view, there was a crowd.

Inside, the television was showing the live coverage, whilst outside the window the sun was shining brightly and a wind of up to 18 knots was blowing in from the Gulf – conditions that were nothing short of perfect for a day on which four races were to be held. Let’s start by saying that Luna Rossa put in a brilliant performance, retaining the top spot in the standings with an eight-point lead over Emirates Team New Zealand. Let’s not forget that at the helm of Luna Rossa is the ‘barefoot devil’ Peter Burling, whilst at the helm of the New Zealand boat is the man who has won over the hearts of the public: Nathan Outteridge.

Tomorrow’s final clash between the Luna and the Kiwis, which seems highly likely, also has the feel of a derby. Burling and his co-helmsman, Marco Gradoni, have shown a great ability to put on a show. In the four races, they incurred penalties and found themselves at the back of the fleet, but then ‘miraculously’ – though in reality thanks to their speed – they always fought their way back up to the top positions. “It was a day of ups and downs. After winning the first race, we had to fight,” said Peter Burling. “The race course doesn’t always have a steady wind, and you have to know how to read it.” Patrizio Bertelli has reason to be pleased; he travelled to Naples specifically to watch the races, stopping off at the Circolo del Remo e della Vela Italia – the club that launched the challenge and one of the beating hearts of this edition of the Cup, alongside their neighbouring ‘friends and foes’ at the Reale Yacht Club Canottieri Savoia.

Whilst Luna Rossa have got us used to predictability, much like the New Zealanders, the surprises of the day have come from the French team La Roche Posay, who secured two wins and pulled off a spectacular somersault whilst in the lead. Had it not been for that upset, they would be third, just one point behind the Kiwis with three wins on the day. Yesterday, too, they capsized at the start and failed to finish a race. The French team, supported by Stephan Kandler and led by Bruno Dubois, is starting to pose a threat. The sporting director is Philippe Presti, former coach of Luna Rossa. The helmsmen are Quentin Delapierre and Guido Botin, who bears a name of great significance in the world of sailing. His uncle is Marcelino Botin, who has worked extensively in the America’s Cup, including with the New Zealanders. As a side note, it’s worth mentioning that the Botins are one of Spain’s wealthiest families, with links to Banco Santander. Delapierre says: “These boats are very closely matched in terms of performance, and strategy and tactics are crucial. You have to be very precise in handling the boat, and very focused.” The French team is the first to have brought the large AC75 boat to Naples: it was unloaded a few days ago and is the first hull to have entered Bagnoli.

Tudor Alinghi’s Swiss team have also put in a solid performance; the provisional standings see them in third place, ahead of the Luna Rossa Woman & Youth team.