Louis Vuitton Cup, Luna Rossa takes first win over New Zealand
The Italian crew beat the Kiwis with a spectacular start that overshadowed all the snubs and penalties so far
3' min read
3' min read
What a day of fire for the America's Cup, we are just at the beginning and it seems like we are already in the thick of things, which will come in October. Just as well: the Barcelona stage offered us a romantic Sturm und Drang style day with gloomy clouds, thunderstorms, wind and lightning. But also a Luna Rossa shining in her silver livery, taking her back in time to her first participation in 2000.
Silver Bullet was and is. On the contrary: that time the Kiwis gave the kiwis a beating, let's just say a beating, whereas in this head-to-head meeting that brought no concrete points to the Louis Vuitton Cup (challenger selection, when you meet the Defender it's just show business) this time the sides are reversed.
The Italian crew put the Kiwis through their paces with a spectacular start that overshadowed all the snubs and penalties they had received so far. Checco and Jimmy conducted a millimetric manoeuvre that made a spectacle of itself and promises to be a spectacle for the future. How did it go? The Kiwis were closing the door pretty well next to the committee boat but the moment they peeled off to lose a little time our guys were in a good position to 'roll them' a word sailors use that translates to overtake.
"We can roll them," says Checco (Bruni) on the intercom. And James Jimmy Spithill sprouted fangs: he pushed the accelerator up to 48 knots (a lot) and offered the wake to Emirates Team New Zealand. Helmsman Peter Burling has no choice but to tack a little awkwardly and plant himself in the water. From there on, the game is over. When two lightning bolts arrived Peter took the boat home. He was more than half a mile behind.
Can one sing victory? No, of course not. The Kiwis remain the boat to beat and for whoever the Challenger will be it will be difficult. "For us this win means a lot," said James Spithill, "it's a sign that we have worked well so far and that we can beat them. Now we have to keep working on our speed every day." Grant Dalton, the great leader of Emirates Team New Zealand has never hidden that he fears Luna Rossa more than anyone else. "They have worked really well this time," he said several times.
