LVPS: Luna Rossa Challenge Loses to Emirates Team New Zealand

Luna Rossa Challenge sailing against Emirates Team New Zealand. Image copyright Stefano Gattini/Luna Rossa Challenge.

by Luna Rossa Challenge media

Wind: SW 10 knots
Course: Windward - leeward of 1.4 miles (2 laps)

Luna Rossa Challenge on USA 98, Emirates Team New Zealand on USA 87.

Non-scoring race (as it involves Emirates Team New Zealand)

Start: Luna Rossa enters the box from the Committee Boat and attacks Emirates Team New Zealand who, in the final phases of the pre-start, gains control and starts on the favoured (right) side of the line and with better speed, whereas Luna Rossa crosses the start line with a delay of almost two boat lengths.

Luna Rossa attempts to shake her opponent’s control by attacking on the right, but Team New Zealand responds immediately by placing herself between her adversary and the mark, not allowing Luna Rossa to close the gap. A right wind shift increases Team New Zealand’s lead and the kiwis round the windward mark 23s ahead.

The distance between the two boats is such that Luna Rossa cannot close the gap significantly to resume contact with her opponent. At the gate Team New Zealand rounds the left mark, choosing the right side of the course once again. Luna Rossa tries to reduce the gap by rounding the other mark, in an attempt to look for a different wind on the left side of the course.

However, the relatively stable wind conditions keep the situation virtually unchanged and don’t allow Luna Rossa to regain a contact with her opponent. Team New Zealand rounds the windward mark with a 32s advantage, that Luna Rossa will reduce just slightly on the finishing line, which she will cross with a 26s delay.

Luna Rossa Challenge