Good communication and split second timing sees Gradoni and Porro top the leaderboard in Cagliari

Italians Marco Gradoni and Margherita Porro stole the show on Day 1 of the AC38 Preliminary Regatta in Cagliari. Two race wins, a Kiwi nosedive, and a GB1 breakdown nightmare. It’s been all on.

Image © Ian Roman/America's Cup

Racing at the first Preliminary Regatta of the 38th America’s Cup got underway shortly after 1500 in Cagliari, Sardinia this afternoon in 12-15 knot winds and on bumpy seas.

It was the hotly tipped Luna Rossa Youth and Women team led by Italian wonder-kid Marco Gradoni and with Margherita Porro in the port driver’s seat that dominated the first race.