America's Cup: it is still a tie between the Italian boat Luna Rossa and the Kiwis from New Zealand. In fact, after today's two races, the Italian boat brings home another draw. The competition is therefore still open.
Still parity
The chronicle of the two races today records the clear victory of the fifth race by the Italian team which, however, lost the following race. So far, there has been an absolute balance between the two crews that allows us to imagine the most diverse scenarios. In the first race today was the decisive start of the Italian boat, which conquered the port side, immediately taking an advantage of about 150 meters. The light wind at 8 knots favored Luna Rossa, while the Kiwis were forced to set up a pursuit race and choose wide trajectories.
At the first gate, Luna Rossa's advantage was 32 seconds, equivalent to more than 350 meters; 32 seconds also at the second gate. Halfway through the race Team New Zealand recovered ten seconds by turning the third gate 22 seconds back, only to lose five seconds in the fourth. The Palermo helmsman Francesco Bruni then ordered to attack to cover any recovery attempt by the New Zealanders. The turn to the fifth gate recorded a 23 second advantage. However, in the last section there was no more race. Luna Rossa finished without pushing any more, triumphing with an 18 second advantage.
The dream continues
The sixth race was marked by a decisive start which saw the Team New Zealand 'defender' dominate from the start. Luna Rossa made the wrong exit line and ended up slowing down sharply from the start of the race. At the first gate the advantage of the Kiwis has already proved unbridgeable: 51 seconds which have become one minute and seven seconds. New Zealand, for long stretches to leeward, has crossed the waters of Auckland Bay at twice the speed of Luna Rossa.
New Zealand won by beating the Italian competitors with a lead of 1'41 ”. Tomorrow we compete again. In any case, reaching the fourth day in a draw is a great and unexpected result for the Italians. This, also considering the fact that the bookmakers had assumed the New Zealand victory by 7-0. The facts are disavowing the predictions. The dream of Luna Rossa and of the whole of Italy, continues!
(Photo Facebook Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team)
