LUNA ROSSA PRADA PIRELLI AND NYYC AMERICAN MAGIC SET TO LIGHT UP THE UNICREDIT YOUTH AMERICA’S CUP FINAL
It could well be billed as the ‘battle of the new age’ as two of the world’s finest young sailing talents go head-to-head for the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup title. Marco Gradoni, the mercurial and fast-coming Italian talent from Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, and Harry Melges – the latest generation of an exceptional US racing dynasty – representing NYYC American Magic, both sealed their places in the event’s upcoming Match Race Final, after four outstanding fleet races in today’s Semi-Finals – and will now go head-to-head in a one-shot, winner-take-all, race for the title, to be held on Thursday September 26.
Barcelona delivered fantastic racing conditions today – and far earlier than expected. Forecasters were predicting late afternoon breezes to eventually fill in, but just before 1330 CET up came a solid 12-17 knots from the south-west atop flat water – perfect for fast, tight, action-packed racing in the world’s most exciting new class, the AC40.
Race Director, Iain Murray was quick to release the yachts and sailors from the outstanding ‘nou’ Port Olímpic marina and the sailors were quickly on the course with J2 jibs set in a building breeze.
Speculation about how the Invited Teams would fare against the well-drilled America’s Cup teams was quickly dispelled in the opening race, when Swedish Challenge Youth Team powered by Artemis Technologies came out of the blocks fast and went on to keep everyone at bay to secure a memorable race win. Right behind were the Italians Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli who, it would prove, were about to put on a masterclass of consistency over the coming races.
By the second race of the day, a pecking order had been established, with NYYC American Magic sailing supremely and surviving a nervy last gybe to score their first win from Luna Rossa, whilst in Race 3, the Italians were a class apart, escaping from a tight pack and dominating the fleet to take their first win of the regatta
