Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Prototype Day 53 Summary

Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli were in full test mode on Monday with flight getting ever lower upwind as the sailors sought the end-plating effect that is on the lips of every design co-ordinator in the America’s Cup at the moment. With a wide cant on the foil arm and windward heel, the V’d hull of the Italian LEQ12 was wave skimming, keeping the power on but hunkering down low whilst through the tacks it was noticeable how bow-down they exit before pulling on the mainsail power and exiting the transition at pace. Techniques are being honed down in Cagliari and valuable data being sourced. After a decent session that lasted nearly four hours, the team called it a day as the afternoon Mistral filtered in bringing chop and 18 knot gusts, very much to the liking of Marco Gradoni who was rotated into the driving seat in the afternoon. Marco is one of the upcoming stars of the America’s Cup who Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli have been encouraging through the system, giving him plenty of time on the LEQ12 to learn from Spithill and Bruni. Alongside Ruggero Tita, the Italians have real strength in depth in the driving department. Section 41. Reconnaissance a) As a campaign cost reduction measure, COR/D has mutually agreed to cooperatively implement a centralised reconnaissance programme for all teams for the reconnaissance of all Competitors’ AC75 Yachts, AC40 Yachts and LEQ12 yachts including both on-land and on-water imagery (the “Joint Recon Programme”). b) Each team is assigned a two-person Recon Unit to follow their every on-water move, but it's not that simple. The cameras are supplied and identical for all Recon Units. Drones are not allowed, and they can't get that close, plus following a boat and keeping a camera steady at 45 knots isn't that easy to begin with. c) A three minute interview follows each on water day, and teams must answer the Recon Unit's questions while trying not to give too much away. It's a raw, unedited view of the never before seen behind-the-scenes development of a team and their boat to win the oldest trophy in international sports. #AC37Recon #AmericasCup #Barcelona2024