The defenders of the America's Cup have lived up to their position on the second day of the Yida preliminary regatta. Those from New Zealand have contained, first of all, the attack of the Italians (who won the first round) and then that of the Americans (all in after yesterday's poor performance). Correct decisions by the Kiwis that translate into 49 points in the general classification. The Italians (with 38) and the Swiss (with 27) maintain second and third position after a day of maximum brilliance, in speed and technique, of the AC40.
With better weather conditions than yesterday and wind speeds of between 13 and 15 knots, and even more during the third leg, the boats flew from the first to the last minute with speeds of up to 42 knots (77.7 km per hour). A spectacle in capital letters. “It has been a very good day, which allows us to be confident for tomorrow,” acknowledged a satisfied Peter Burling, the skipper of Emirates Team New Zealand, at the end of the regatta.
In the first race, Italy started behind the United States and New Zealand but in a few seconds the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli – with the young and promising Marco Gradoni on board – took first place and defended safely and even to the finish line. final position. The Italians did not let themselves be intimidated in a first and second race in which the fleet sailed compactly, less than twenty seconds apart but always behind the Italians. The second and third positions became a non-stop duel between Emirates Team New Zealand and NYYC American Magic, who alternated positions at dizzying speeds.
The excitement of the first race has gained momentum in the second. This time the head to head for first place was between Emirates Team New Zealand and the Italians. After a somewhat confusing start and several penalties, the positions have been fairly fixed. The first couple has soon separated from the rest. Behind, Switzerland and the United States have fought for third and fourth place and that is how they finished. In the queue, British and French. Orient Express had the worst day today, entering last in the three rounds, so they have only added 3 points.
The fight between the Italians and the Kiwis has faded as the third round begins. The start was clean and clear, however, and despite having a magnificent position, Luna Rosa took a while to turn and was penalized. The Italians fought until the end, climbing from last position to third at times, although at the last moment Alinghi Red Bull Racing came in ahead. The Swiss have had a notable role during this third heat, defending first position during the first three laps until New Zealand has overtaken them and behind them, American Magic.
At the end of the regatta, Marco Gradoni reiterated the message that the Italians have repeated since they arrived in Yida, "race by race, we are going to give everything in each one", although he acknowledged that his objective was to repeat the victory of the first race, something which they have not managed, but they have managed to maintain second position overall. Behind Emirates Team New Zealand and ahead, in this order, of the Swiss team, Ineos Britannia, NYYC American Magic and Orient Express of the French.
