On This Day, Race 1 of the 30th America’s Cup Got Underway in NZ

The first pre-start of each America’s Cup Match is the most anticipated moment of every edition. Years of hard work, innovation, secrets, trial & error, are stripped away and everyone gets their first glimpse of the challenger and defender racing each other. This is when the world gets a hint of an answer to the question... “Who has the fastest boat?” Luna Rossa beat all-comers in the Challenger Selection Series, winning 38 of 48 races against an impressively strong field of 11 challengers from seven countries. "Mr America’s Cup" himself - Dennis Conner - was there, leading one of five American challengers. So was a young 19-year-old James Spithill with Young Australia, in his Cup debut. America One, skippered by Paul Cayard with navigator Terry Hutchinson was almost the victor, leading Luna Rossa 4-3 in the CSS final with two races to go, but it was Luna Rossa who won and ultimately met NZL 60 for the start of 30th America’s Cup Match in Auckland, New Zealand on February 20, 2000. Will we see a Luna Rossa Challenge & Emirates Team New Zealand final at AC36 in two years time?