On Saturday in Auckland, New Zealand, Italians Luna Rossa dominated the first day of the America’s Cup challengers final and lead two rounds to zero against Britain’s Ineos Team UK.
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The first race was settled from the start, with the British challenge stuck at the start and receiving a penalty. Luna Rossa won with one minute and 52 seconds.
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The second round was more contested. Luna Rossa took a short advantage on the way through the first gate. The Italians then kept this slim lead, before winning by 26 seconds.
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« My crew did a great job, and the boat performed really well., said the Australian Jimmy Spithill, the skipper of Luna Rossa, winner of the America’s Cup with the Americans of Oracle in 2010 and 2013. But I noticed a few small mistakes that we will try to erase tomorrow (Sunday). “
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“It was a drag race”
Ben Ainslie, skipper d’Ineos Team UK
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« The Italians did a good job, for his part, recognized Ben Ainslie, the skipper of Ineos Team UK, four times Olympic champion and also winner of the America’s Cup in 2013. They just sailed a little faster, a little better, and we’re going to have to think about how we can get a little more pace. It was a lot more of a drag race. And Luna Rossa, who has a great squad, can then be quite difficult to counter. »
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