4-0! No suspense in Auckland during the semi-final of the Prada Cup, which designates the challenger of the America’s Cup, future opponent of Defender Team New Zealand. This Saturday, the Italians of Luna Rossa inflicted a stinging defeat on the Americans of America Magic.
A final between English and Italians from February 13
Jimmy Spithill and the Italians were ruthless. In the semifinals, they made a clear round, leaving no chances for the Americans under Dean Barker. Under the watchful eye of their French coach, Philippe Presti, they chained the maneuvers and the two races without trembling. For the AC75 American Magic, it was still a difficult second day. The crew failed to recover from their capsize in mid-January.
After an express yard where we had to put the boat back afloat and in working order, it was very complicated in Auckland Bay. So everything stopped in the semi-finals for them.
It will therefore be a final between the English of the multiple Olympic champion Ben Ainslie and the Italians of James Spithill who join the English in the final. Whoever was the youngest skipper (31) to win the Cup with the Americans in 2010 and whoever was at the helm in 2013 during the fantastic comeback has the capacity to take them even further. But if there was not really a battle in this one-sided semi-final, the final may be of a different content. The English are ready and have shown great mastery but the Italians have gained confidence during this semi-final and are making good progress. It is a highly coveted challenger position that will be played from February 13. Who will fight against Team New Zealand to try to win the 36th America’s Cup (March 6-21)? It will be the first at seven points!
A. M.
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