Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Prototype Day 6 Summary

They may still be in the commissioning phase of their LEQ12, but Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli’s design and engineering teams are more than keen to capture every take-off and monitor everything from ride-height to cant angle to foil cavitation to loads being exerted all over the boat. Everywhere you looked today on this most fabulous and eye-catching Italian test platform, the ubiquitous GoPro’s, ride-height sensors, load sensors and perma-cameras were peeking out of the hull and rig to capture a myriad of data as the team went through a thorough session in the Cagliari afternoon of almost five hours. Andrea Tesei, a second timer in the America’s Cup having debut for LRPP in Auckland 2021 and widely recognised as one of the best 49er sailors on the planet, is one of the top foil trimmers in the Cup world and he had this to say about the session: “We’re still going through some commissioning but today was the first day sailing when we ticked-off all the manoeuvres – quite a few tacks, gybes and racing round-ups. The boat is starting to behave well, and all the systems are doing what we want so it was a really positive day.” 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