Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Prototype Day 59 Summary

With three seasons in one day, Cagliari was proving a tricky mistress from a weather perspective but it’s these kinds of days that wins you the America’s Cup. Training onboard the rapid-looking LEQ12 in light, fluky and patchy conditions, the Italians needed the assistance of the Chase Boat team to get flying in order to push through a light-weather test schedule where technique was rewarded. The premium on accurate flight control was high and Vittorio Bissaro, one of the ever-present members of the Luna Rossa Flight Control team on both the LEQ12 and AC40 spoke about a day where his concentration was firmly on “keeping the bow out of the water…and the rudder immersed.” Vittorio is perfectly placed to talk about the new wing and give a colourful and interesting assessment of the profile: “I wouldn’t say it’s easier” was how he concluded on that subject. When pushed about the various roles on the boat and what each person’s individual role is onboard, Vittorio was tight-lipped. These are crucial systems arrangements and the Itlainas are giving nothing away – quite rightly. Fascinating interview with one of the best Flight Controllers in this America’s Cup cycle. 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