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Luna Rossa Wins Naples Preliminary Regatta

The Italian crew beat Emirates Team New Zealand in the match race, a result that confirms their form and shifts attention to AC75 design and development for the 2027 Cup.

Overview

  • Luna Rossa secured the Naples preliminary title by defeating Emirates Team New Zealand in the one‑on‑one match race after finishing top of the fleet standings.
  • The team had already made the final arithmetically certain by scoring strongly in fleet racing, reaching 61 points versus New Zealand’s 52 after the seventh race.
  • Racing across the weekend was shaped by variable grecale winds that caused long delays, neutralized starts and forced quick tactical changes from the crews.
  • La Roche‑Posay Racing Team emerged as an unexpected threat with two fleet victories but suffered dramatic capsizes that cost further top results.
  • The event used identical AC40 boats as a preparation exercise, drew large crowds and wide TV/streaming coverage, and now teams will focus on developing their AC75s for next year’s Louis Vuitton Cup and America’s Cup.