Luna Rossa: Final Preliminary Regatta, practice race

On the eve of the third and final preliminary regatta, the six teams participating in the 37th America's Cup - five Challengers and the Defender - participated in the Official Practice Race and Opening Press Conference.

«Although these are preliminary races that do not award points, we all want to win» said Francesco Bruni, one of the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli helmsmen. «That's what we're here for, and after three years of work and waiting, it's clear that a win would be a great way to start. I want to congratulate the shore team, the designers and in general the whole team, for the great work done in this period that has allowed us to be here. The real work of the coaches starts today, when we will face our opponents on the racecourse, because at that point we will really have the measure of where we are in relation to the fleet.»

Although this is his second America's Cup with Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, trimmer Umberto Molineris does not hide his excitement as he leaves the dock, «Today is the first day of racing, we have waited three years and we are looking forward to it. Even though it is a practice race, no one is keeping the brake on because we all want to win. Today we will meet the Americans and the British, two teams we have been studying for a long time with the Recon program, but this is the first time we are facing them in a real racing context and we will take the opportunity to get to know them better». 

«The Practice Races end on a very satisfactory note for Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli,» says Max Sirena, Skipper and Team Director of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. «We are happy with both the performance of the AC75 and the way the crew handled the boat in the two practice races. Today was an important day that gave us several insights to prepare in the best way possible for tomorrow's regatta.»

Regarding the sailing team, Sirena revealed that it is subject to change until the end of the 37th America's Cup, as helmsmen, trimmers and cyclors can rotate on board every race day. In compliance with the 37th edition protocol, Marco Gradoni will be at the helm of the AC40 for the UniCredit Youth America's Cup.

Luna Rossa's crew today featured Jimmy Spithill and Francesco Bruni at the helm, with Umberto Molineris and Andrea Tesei as trimmers. As for the cyclors, Enrico Voltolini and Emanuele Liuzzi sailed in both races, while Paolo Simion and Cesare Gabbia alternated with Luca Kirwan and Mattia Camboni.

With the Practice Race over, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli prepares for the Final Preliminary Regatta starting tomorrow, August 22. The Italian team will compete in two races: Race #2 against Defender Emirates Team New Zealand and Race #4 against Orient Express Racing Team.