Luna Rossa: Louis Vuitton Cup kicks off tomorrow

This phase of the competition was set up in 1970 to manage the simultaneous challenge of France and Australia to the New York Yacht Club. Since then, the Challenger Selection Series aimed to select the best challenger to oppose the Defender in the America's Cup Final Match.

Tomorrow, we enter the first elimination phase of the event. After four years of waiting, working and training, the teams are ready to play it all out, knowing that at the end of the two Round Robins only four challengers will advance to the next phase.

The customary press conference with the skippers of the participating teams was held on the eve of the Challenger Selection Series:

Jimmy Spithill, Luna Rossa helmsman: «The fleet is very close in terms of performance, and I’m sure we will see some intense races, especially because the conditions in Barcelona, with its waves and wind, are complicated and make the crew's work very difficult. The preliminary regattas have highlighted both the weaknesses and strengths of the teams. Everyone in the fleet has experienced great moments, made mistakes, and had technical problems. As for the presence of the Defender in the Round Robins, there is no doubt that it is a huge advantage for them because we race to survive, and they do not, and that makes a difference. Could it be risky to show our cards in front of them? Probably yes, but right now we are focused on the challengers, not looking too far ahead. Our job is to get out on the water and win one race at a time».

As the Challenger Selection Series gets underway there is an increased tension and interest in the steadily growing audience. The Race Village, with its giant screens, stores and a stage for events and awards, is the heart of the event, open on every race day with free admission. The Fanzones at Plaça del Mar and Bogatell are also very popular, as here it is possible to view the races directly from the beach.

What follows is the main information and rules to best follow the event and the Luna Rossa races.

The Louis Vuitton Cup regattas will be held exclusively in Match Race format and the boat that crosses the finish line first wins. Each win awards one point and the boat that finishes second earns nothing. The Louis Vuitton Cup is set up in three phases:

ROUND ROBINS - 2 Elimination Stages: August 29 - September 11.
Each team meets all challengers once in each round. Regattas are exclusively Match Races. The five challengers (Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, Ineos Britannia, NYYC American Magic, Alinghi Red Bull Racing and Orient Express Racing Team) plus the Defender (Emirates Team New Zealand) participate. However, the result of the matches with the Defender will not be counted. At the end of the Round Robins, the lowest ranked team will be eliminated. The remaining four will advance to the semifinals and the top team will choose its opponent.
SEMIFINALS: Sept.14 - 23 
The four challengers who made it through the Round Robins compete against other in Match Race regattas. The first to reach 5 points wins.

FINALS: Sept. 26 - Oct. 7 
The two finalist challengers face each other in the Louis Vuitton Cup Final. The first to reach 7 points wins. The winner will have the right to challenge the Defender Emirates Team New Zealand in the Louis Vuitton 37th America's Cup Match.

LUNA ROSSA REGATTA CALENDAR AND ENTRY SIDE IN THE PRE-START BOX 
(blue boat enters from the left, yellow boat from the right)

AUGUST 29
RACE #2 - ITA (blue) vs NZL (yellow) - RACE #4 - FRA (blue) vs ITA (yellow)

AUGUST 30    
RACE #7 - ITA (blue) vs USA (yellow)

AUGUST 31    
RACE #11 - GBR (blue) vs ITA (yellow)

SEPTEMBER 1
RACE #14 - SUI (blue) vs ITA (yellow)

SEPTEMBER 3
RACE #17 - NZL (blue) vs ITA (Yellow) - RACE #19 - ITA (blue) vs FRA (yellow)

SEPTEMBER 4
RACE #22 - USA (blue) vs ITA (yellow) 

SEPTEMBER 7
RACE #25 - ITA (blue) vs GBR (yellow)

SEPTEMBER 8
RACE #29 - ITA (blue) vs SUI (yellow)