LVT: Mila Macky Dunn pushes the Latin Rascals to their First Win

Aleph vs. Mascalzone Latino Audi Team on Day 3. Image copyright Paul Todd/www.outsideimages.co.nz/Louis Vuitton Trophy.

by Guiliano Luzzatto

Pink flag and first victory for Mascalzone Latino Audi Team in the Louis Vuitton Trophy of Auckland. Little Mila was born last night, daughter of strategist Cameron Dunn, and she quickly became the new mascot of the team, evidenced by the pink flag aboard.

After two days where the optimal efforts of the crew failed to produce any points, the ice was finally broken in the third match, against the French of Aleph. It was a day of brisk wind in the Waitemata Bay with the skyline of Auckland as the background for the races and a large spectator audience both at shore and at sea.

In the prestart Bertrand Pace, skipper of Aleph, didn't want to risk getting too close to Gavin Brady, but managed to achieve an even start with Mascalzone Latino Audi Team. Great work by the Italian afterguard, with strategist Flavio Favini and tactician Morgan Larson, who were able to get close to the French boat on leeward, putting her in dirty air and gaining the lead just before the first windward mark. From here, Mascalzone Latino worked perfectly the wind shifts, increasing their advantage to 55 seconds at the finish. A clear victory in the first day of strong wind, up to 20 knots, which saw the group skillfully manage the enormous power an ACC yacht.

Thursday's other races saw victories for ETNZ over Team Origin, All4One over Azzurra, and Artemis over Synergy.

Mascalzone Latino Audi
Louis Vuitton Trophy