America's Cup update
Luna Rossa wins first semi finalThe Italian Luna Rossa team has clinched the first semi final of the Louis Vuitton Cup despite a spirited race from the Swedish boat
In today’s race (August 6), the first of seven, the smart money was on the Italians. However, Artemis won the start and led to the first mark. But Luna Rossa seemed to have an advantage down wind and overtook the Swedes to eventually win by two minutes.
The race was first for Artemis as the boat didn’t race in the round-robin series as the boat wan't ready following the fatal crash in March.
The race was run in blustery conditions with Race Director Iain Murray nearly calling it off prior to the start: "Today is a going to be on the edge. It’s going to be a timed run between the wind getting stronger and us getting the race done in time.
"We’ve got a wind limit of 21.2 knots with the last part of the flood tide. And as usual, we’re expecting the breeze to increase during the day," he said at a press conference before the gun.
As it turned out, the race was run in 16 knots with peak gusts of just over 20.
Top speeds recorded for the boats were 39.19 knots for Luna Rossa and 40.56 knots for Artemis.
The next is scheduled for tomorrow, August 8.
A brief video is available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u35ehCgecAg&feature=player_embedded
For more information go to: www.americascup.com.au
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