Luna Rossa Perfect Start. Image: ©2013 cblr

Today Luna Rossa Challenge defeated Swedish team Artemis Racing for the third time in a row in the Louis Vuitton Cup semifinals.

The Italian team entered the pre-start zone on port tack and immediately gained control, closing the door to Artemis Racing and crossing the starting line 8 seconds in front of the Swedish boat.

From that point onwards the Italian team took the lead of the race and rounded the reaching mark 11 seconds ahead. Luna Rossa progressively increased the gap on the downwind leg and showed a good speed and a better angle, rounding the gate 26 seconds ahead.

The Italian team started the first windward leg heading offshore and then tacked inshore in search of a less current zone.

Throughout the beat Luna Rossa increased her lead on Artemis Racing and rounded the windward gate with a 52-second advantage. The Italian team again sailed the second downwind leg in full foiling and increased her lead on the Swedish team to 1 minute and 9 seconds.

On the second windward Luna Rossa chose the inshore tack whereas Artemis Racing moved to the opposite side of the course. The tacks required to complete the leg did not modify the gap between the two boats and Luna Rossa again rounded the windward gate 1 minute and 12 seconds ahead.

During the last downwind leg Luna Rossa kept the lead of the race until the end and crossed the finish line 1 minute and 18 seconds in front of Artemis Racing, scoring the third point in the semifinals.

Luna Rossa skipper Max Sirena declared: “We had a good start and a good race: we gained control right away in the pre start, closed the door, started ahead and then kept the lead for the entire race. Later this afternoon we will also test wing two in order to decide whether to use it tomorrow”

“Heroes of the day”: Chris Draper and Checco Bruni for the great start and race the sailed today.

Luna Rossa completed the 15.53 -nautical mile course in 47 minutes, 36 seconds, maintaining an average speed of 24.7 knots and reaching a maximum speed of 39.71 knots. Artemis Racing held an average speed of 24.0 knots and reached a maximum speed of 37.25 knots.

Luna Rossa Challenge will race again against Artemis Racing tomorrow, Saturday August 9th, for the fourth match of the Louis Vuitton Cup semifinals.

Today’s crew was: Max Sirena (skipper and pitman), Francesco Bruni (tactician), David Carr (pitman/grinder), Pierluigi de Felice (trimmer), Giles Scott (primary grinder), Chris Draper (helmsman), Xabi Fernandez (wing trimmer), Nick Hutton (bowman), Lele Marino (wing grinder), Marco Montis (freestyler) and Wade Morgan (hydraulic grinder).

Big Blue chases Luna Rossa.  Image: ©2013 cblr

-- From Luna Rossa Challenge

Additional Links and Info:

Daily Race Calendar for 2013 Louis Vuitton Cup and America's Cup

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