Luna Rossa defeats BMW Oracle Racing

by Paolo Martinoni on 19 May 2007
Fourth race of the Semifinals for the selection of the official Challenger of the America’s Cup. On the northern race course 10-12 knots of sea breeze from the east south east and calm seas.

BMW Oracle has the initial advantage of starboard entry. Both boats dive deep into the box and a minute later head up to wind in a dial up. After some aggressive circling USA 98 sails off towards the start line keeping herself to windward of Luna Rossa. ITA 94 accelerates and cuts the line on starboard tack at the center, separated by at least three boat lengths. The speed test begins and a third of the way up the beat the boats tack with Luna Rossa leading by half a boat length. The Americans from the right and the Italians from the left give life to a tacking duel at the end of which the Yacht Club Italiano’s boat can point the windward mark with a 50 meter lead on her opponent who rounds the buoy lagging by 13 seconds.

Down the first run Luna Rossa’s afterguard mirrors every move USA 98 makes keeping her in check and at the leeward gate has gained one additional second. The second and final beat begins with the two boats heading off in opposite directions, Luna Rossa sailing to the right hand side of the course. The lateral separation between them exceeds 2000 meters and USA 98 makes up the distance pulling into the lead. Tacking back towards the center of the course the right hand side choice pays off and Luna Rossa bounces ahead by over 100 meters. At mark 3 the delta is 29 seconds. The finals run sees Dickson’s men throwing a series of gybes at the Italians hoping Luna Rossa will not be able to sail in phase anymore, but on board ITA 94 the situation is under control. Luna Rossa wins the fourth race with a final delta of 23 seconds and the provisional score is now 3-1.

At the end of the race skipper Francesco de Angelis said: 'Every single victory is important. Each race is difficult and going home with an extra point is always a good thing. We are learning something new from every race, pushing the boat and crew to grow at every chance we get. At the leeward gate we rounded the starboard mark as we wanted and had a good feeling of what was going to happen up the course on the right hand side. Of course it’s gut wrenching every time there is a separation, but one must believe in the choices one makes. Pleasure without pain is too easy: we need to work hard and keep on moving forward.'

Crew
1. Skipper - Francesco de Angelis
2. Helmsman - James Spithill
3. Tactician - Torben Grael
4. Navigator - Michele Ivaldi
5. Afterguard - Ben Durham
6. Traveller - Andrew Horton
7. Runner - Magnus Augustson
8. Main Trimmer - Jonathan McKee
9. Main Grinder - Gilberto Nobili
10. Trimmer - Joe Newton
11. Trimmer - Christian Kamp
12. Grinder - Emanuele Marino
13. Grinder - Andrew Taylor
14. Pitman - Simone de Mari
15. Mast - Shannon Falcone
16. Mid-Bow - Max Sirena
17. Bow - Alan Smith

Today’s results
'Louis Vuitton Cup' - Semi finals - Race 4
Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL 92) wins against Desafio Espanol 2007 (ESP 97)
Luna Rossa Challenge (ITA 94) wins against BMW Oracle Racing (USA 98)

'Louis Vuitton Cup' - Semi finals - Results table

Semi final A
Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL 92) 3
Desafio Espanol 2007 (ESP 97) 1

Semi final B
BMW Oracle Racing (USA 98) 1
Luna Rossa Challenge (ITA 94) 3