Saturday, April 28, 2007

Louis Vuitton Cup - Round Robin 1 - Day 13: Luna Rossa win the Italian derby against Mascalzone Capitalia

The all-important Italian derby between Luna Rossa and Mascalzone Capitalia saw James Spithill and his crew win a decisive victory. Prestart specialist Jes Gram Hansen squeezed out Luna Rossa and got the favorite right side, starting with an early lead. Mascalzone Latino took advantage of the right shift, increasing the lead and rounding the top mark 23 seconds ahead of Luna Rossa. During the first run, their lead went up to 200 meters but Luna Rossa started getting closer.

At the leeward gate Mascalzone Capitalia had a difficult spinnaker drop and committed the error of rounding the right mark while Luna Rossa opted for the left. That proved to be the turning point in the race. Halfway up the second upwind leg, Luna Rossa passed their rivals and at the top mark they had an advantage of 35 seconds. In the final downwind leg Luna Rossa kept ITA-99 in check and finished 45 seconds ahead of them.

Prestart of the all-important Italian derby between Luna Rossa and Mascalzone Capitalia. Valencia, 28 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Mascalzone Capitalia wins the right side and starts the race with an early lead. Valencia, 28 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Mascalzone Capitalia picks the favorite right side of the course in the first leg and leads Luna Rossa. Valencia, 28 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Mascalzone Capitalia and Luna Rossa approaching the leeward gate. Valencia, 28 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The turning point of the race. Mascalzone Capitalia decide to go to the right buoy of the leeward gate. Valencia, 28 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

In addition, the spinnaker drop was quite problematic. Valencia, 28 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Luna Rossa's afterguard decide to go to the left on the second upwind leg. Valencia, 28 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Halfway up the second upwind leg Luna Rossa passes Mascalzone Capitalia. Valencia, 28 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Great victory for Luna Rossa. Valencia, 28 April 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

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