The weather is not cooperating on the first, eagerly awaited day of the Preliminary Regatta Naples, which gets underway today in the Gulf of Naples. After several postponements due to a lack of wind, the Race Committee managed to hold only two of the three scheduled races, in very different conditions, ranging from an almost complete absence of wind to a strong northeasterly breeze with waves.

Luna Rossa Senior delivered two very consistent performances, demonstrating its ability to handle different and even complex weather and sea conditions with the same level of competence. Luna Rossa Y&W, on the other hand, ends the first day in the middle of the standings, with excellent bursts of speed and room for improvement.

The uncertain weather did not, however, spoil the opening day of the second Preliminary Regatta of the 38th America’s Cup, which generated great interest among the local public. Many people crowded the Lungomare Caracciolo, taking part in various activities, including those organized by the FIV Foil Academy Powered by Luna Rossa, dedicated to young people who want to approach the world of “flying” sailing or further develop their skills. On the water as well, several boats followed the races to get a close-up view of the protagonists of the world’s oldest sporting trophy.

RACE #01
After several unsuccessful attempts due to a lack of wind, at 4:40 p.m. the Race Committee finally manages to get the first race of the day underway, with a NE wind of around 12 knots, although not perfectly stable across the racecourse. After a difficult first upwind leg, the Luna Rossa boats make up ground on the downwind leg and round the gate in third (Senior Team) and fourth (Y&W) position, respectively. Peter Burling and Marco Gradoni gain ground and round the next gate in second place behind the American team, while Luna Rossa Y&W remains fourth. Despite their attempts to close the gap, the two Italian crews maintain these positions all the way to the finish.
Luna Rossa 1: 2nd place (+9 points)
Luna Rossa 2: 4th place (+7 points)

RACE #02
The second race is a completely different scenario: winds of around 16 knots and waves put the crews to the test, as they are called upon to manage the gusts and find the perfect setup to ensure the right stability, while traveling at an average speed of 31 knots. Peter Burling and Marco Gradoni immediately move into first position and firmly defend their lead with consistently clean and fast maneuvers. A magnificent performance by the Senior Team, which wins the race by a wide margin. Luna Rossa 2, on the other hand, finishes the race in fifth position after a more inconsistent performance.
Luna Rossa 1: 1st place (+10 points)
Luna Rossa 2: 5th place (+6 points)

«We waited a long time for the wind to come in, and then we saw some races that had already started being abandoned», said Peter Burling. «It wasn’t an easy first day, but in the end it went well. The conditions were challenging too, especially in the second race, with the wind and waves coming from opposite directions. But it’s great and interesting to race in these conditions. I’d say we’re satisfied».

«It was a long and interesting day because we experienced very different wind conditions», said Margherita Porro. «At the beginning there was very little wind and we were happy with the way we approached the race; by the end, the wind had picked up. We’re happy, even though we made a few too many small mistakes that cost us some valuable positions. But we learned a lot and we can’t wait to do better tomorrow».

The official lineup for the Preliminary Regatta Naples is as follows:

Luna Rossa 1 – Senior Team
Peter Burling (helmsman)
Marco Gradoni (helmsman)
Maria Giubilei (trimmer)
Gianluigi Ugolini (trimmer)

Luna Rossa 2 – Y&W Team
Margherita Porro (helmswoman)
Massimiliano Antoniazzi (helmsman)
Giovanni Santi (trimmer)
Maria Vittoria Marchesini (trimmer)