ITA-99 launched in Valencia

Here are the first pictures of ITA-99, launched two hours ago. The first impression, even if it is difficult to judge, is that she looks quite similar to ITA-90, the first new boat of Mascalzone Latino Capitalia Team. We will certainly keep an eye on these two Italian rockets..

According to Vicenzo Onorato, head of the Italian syndicate, “when we started to race here, back in June 2005, I said that our job was to be competitive. Now I can confirm that we have created a team that can and will do well. I promised then, that we would throw our hearts into it, and that is exactly what we have done, every single one of us.

“The team is here, determined and ready. We have the boats and the technical support necessary to compete. Many, in these days, ask me what my predictions are as to where we expect to arrive…but as a good Neopolitan citizen, I prefer not to say. I can only say that the job has been done, and is complete. We have built two new boats, we have never stopped sailing, and our team is formed of people with great value. In short, we are aiming high…”

Launch of ITA-99. Valencia, 30 January 2007. Photo copyright Mascalzone Latino Capitalia Team

Launch of ITA-99. Valencia, 30 January 2007. Photo copyright Mascalzone Latino Capitalia Team

Launch of ITA-99. Valencia, 30 January 2007. Photo copyright Mascalzone Latino Capitalia Team

Launch of ITA-99. Valencia, 30 January 2007. Photo copyright Mascalzone Latino Capitalia Team

Who said you can only have 17 sailors and a guest aboard an America's Cup yacht. I count more than 30 team members on the deck of ITA-99, let alone the good looking blonde and the beautiful smiling brunette! Valencia, 30 January 2007. Photo copyright Mascalzone Latino Capitalia Team

Launch of ITA-99. Valencia, 30 January 2007. Photo copyright Mascalzone Latino Capitalia Team

Launch of ITA-99. Valencia, 30 January 2007. Photo copyright Mascalzone Latino Capitalia Team

Launch of ITA-99. By the way, ITA-99 is the boat on the foreground, whose stern is on the right. The boat in the background is ITA-90. Valencia, 30 January 2007. Photo copyright Mascalzone Latino Capitalia Team