Luna Rossa were the first team to launch their matched pair of AC40 foiling yachts, taking to the waters of the Gulf of Naples on July 3. They were joined yesterday by the America’s Cup holders from New Zealand who took advantage of a midday southwesterly sea breeze to make their debut at the Cup venue.
The two teams have a dual purpose in each scheduling their training blocks within the window of next year’s racing period for the 38th America’s Cup Match. As well as being able to get a vital first feel for the possible weather conditions off Naples at this time of year, the two squads will also be keen to sharpen their AC40 racecraft ahead of the second AC38 Preliminary Regatta which takes place in Naples from September 24–27.
As at the first preliminary regatta in Cagliari, Sardinia at the end of May, both teams will field two AC40 entries – a ‘senior’ crew and a second boat raced by members of the teams’ youth and women squads.
