Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli beat the Ineos Team UK yesterday in the eighth and final race of the Prada Cup in New Zealand’s Hauraki Gulf. Just as they did 20 years ago, the Italians will now go on to challenge the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, for the America’s Cup.Luna Rossa’s victory on Sunday gave them a total of seven wins and one loss against the British team. Analysts said the Italians’ boat was faster in the medium to light conditions in both races yesterday.The AC75 monohulls that both teams used—which have been substantially tweaked under the America’s Cup rules—are considered the fastest, most extreme vessels since the America’s Cup started in 1851. Some analysts consider the design and technology so far beyond sailing that it should be called another sport. The US team, American Magic, saw its boat hit a record 52.2 knots (60.07 mph) during its run in the semifinals, though the team was eliminated earlier this month by Luna Rossa. The world speed record by a sailing trimaran was set at 54.10 knots (62.25 mph), so the Americans were very close.
Source: The Italians Will Sail Team New Zealand in the America’s Cup Final – Robb Report
