America's Cup in Naples: Gusty Winds, USA Takes First Race Against Luna Rossa

The preliminary America's Cup races in the Gulf of Naples got off to a complicated start due to wind conditions. According to ANSA, the first start attempt, scheduled for 3:30 p.m., was cancelled almost immediately due to lack of wind on the racing course. The second attempt, shortly after 4 p.m., also failed at the first mark due to winds that were too weak, dropping below five knots in some areas.

Third time's the charm

Only on the third attempt, at 4:40 p.m., did conditions improve enough to begin the first fleet race of the day. Surprisingly, ANSA reports, it was the American Racing Challenger Team USA that prevailed, perfect at the start and never caught by its opponents. Luna Rossa in the senior formation finished behind them, while the Youth and Women crew closed in fourth place. GB2 also made the podium, finishing third. The two AC40s from Emirates Team New Zealand, the defending champions, were further back, finishing in fifth and seventh place.

With this result Arc Team USA claimed the first 10 points available, while Luna Rossa earned 9.

Second race scheduled

Immediately after the first result, the six teams in the competition prepared for the second and final race scheduled for the day, down from the three originally planned: an already reduced schedule due to the difficult wind conditions that marked the opening of the event in the Gulf.