The start of the 36th edition of the America’s Cup was given this Wednesday, March 10 in Auckland Bay, New Zealand. Holding the title, Team New Zealand is opposed to the Italians of Luna Rossa, in a duel of “flying” sailboats. The victory will be played on the best of 13 sets.
–
–
Posted the 03/10/2021 11:30 AM
Reading time : 1 min.
–
Three-time winners of the event in 7 participations and title holders, the New Zealanders of Emirates Team New Zealand are the big favorites of this 36th edition of the America’s Cup. The Kiwis dominated the preparatory regattas at the end of December and have the advantage of playing at home in Auckland Bay. “Going to compete against Team New Zealand on their waterway is the same as for a rugby player to face the All Blacks in the World Cup final at Eden Park “, even compares Jimmy Spithill, Luna Rossa’s Australian co-helmsman.
The Italians advance as challengers against Team New Zealand, from which they will try to recover the title. Luna Rossa has never won the America’s Cup, but can count on an experienced co-helmsman, and who has already made the Kiwis see it all. Jimmy Spithill has two victories in the event, including a masterful, in 2013, where he had overthrown the New Zealanders. While at the helm of Oracle Team USA, led 8-1 by Team New Zealand, Spithill then managed an improbable “remount” to allow his team to win 9-8. A victory which earned him the nickname of “pit bull”.
The America’s Cup is known for its generally state-of-the-art boats. This year, the two teams compete in AC-75s, often described as “flying” monohulls. Without a keel, which normally prevents capsizing, they are equipped with foils, side appendages which allow the boat to be lifted and, by reducing the resistance of the water, to carry it well beyond the wind speed, giving an impression of levitation.
The challenge promises to be immense for the Italians of Luna Rossa. Since the 1st edition 170 years ago, the America’s Cup has only been won once by a European team, the Swiss union Alinghi in 2003. After a start delayed by 4 days due to the re-containment at Auckland, and at the end of the first two rounds on Wednesday, Luna Rossa and Team New-Zealand each won a regatta. The first to win 7 will lift the silver ewer.
–
