Luna Rossa starts training in Valencia

[Source: Luna Rossa Challenge] After having concluded the international race circuit the Luna Rossa Sailing Team met today in Valencia to resume on-the-water training. During the past six weeks the Shore Team and the Boat Builders have finalized select modifications on board ITA-86 and ITA-74 under the supervision of the Design Team.

Francesco de Angelis, Head of Team Luna Rossa, commented: "During the August break we worked on both boats and on their components. We also operated on ITA-74, our B boat, as to have an effective testing partner for aspects pertaining to the trying out of new components and for those linked to the development of the Sailing Team. Some of the changes had been planned as early as March, but we had to wait for the racing season to end. As of today our goal will be that of verifying what progress has been made using the July tests as a benchmark. We will tap into any opportunities that arise through meeting the other teams at sea. This will allow us to validate our work with an eye on the decisions that need to be made regarding the components of the second boat. A very important development period awaits us, which we enter into with great concentration and tranquility."

Note: We managed to get a couple of pictures of Luna Rossa's two modified boats right after they returned from the first training. Our apologies for the worse-than-usual quality of the shots but they were taken on the move. We will publish a full report on the state of all the America's Cup teams in Valencia (and around the world..) next weekend.

Luna Rossa's modified ITA-86 on her way out of Port America's Cup for her first autumn two-boat training session. Valencia, 11 September 2006. Photo copyright Luna Rossa Challenge

Luna Rossa's modified ITA-74 and ITA-86 at the base after their first autumn two-boat training session. Valencia, 11 September 2006. Photo by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Luna Rossa's modified ITA-74 and ITA-86 at the base after their first autumn two-boat training session. Valencia, 11 September 2006. Photo by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing