Barcelona, September 29, 2024 – The third day of the Louis Vuitton Cup Final delivered one of the most exciting and dramatic races in recent sailing history. With winds exceeding 20 knots, both teams, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli and INEOS Britannia, faced extreme conditions and technical challenges that led to a breathtaking finish.
The day began with difficulties for the teams. Luna Rossa suffered broken battens in their mainsail, forcing them to replace the sail just before the race. Despite the lost time, the Italian crew displayed remarkable resilience, managing to switch sails in open waters and prepare for the next race.
When the winds finally moderated enough to allow racing to begin, the spectacle unfolded. INEOS Britannia attempted to pressure Luna Rossa with aggressive maneuvers and protests to the umpires, but to no avail. Luna Rossa, expertly led, maintained their composure and pushed their boat to an astounding 55 knots during the first downwind leg.
The battle continued throughout the race course, with both crews fiercely contesting every moment. By the second windward mark, INEOS Britannia had reduced the gap to just 5 seconds. However, a wide rounding at the next gate gave Luna Rossa the opportunity to extend their lead once more, pulling ahead by 19 seconds.
On the final leg, the British team made a strong comeback, narrowing the lead to just 6 seconds. The finish was a nail-biter: in a thrilling drag race to the finish line, Luna Rossa managed to hold off the British challenge, winning by a mere 4 seconds.
With the series now tied at 2-2, both teams are perfectly matched, setting the stage for an unforgettable conclusion to the Louis Vuitton Cup. Fans around the world eagerly await the next races to see who will emerge victorious.
A day of pure adrenaline, high-risk maneuvers, and edge-of-your-seat tension – exactly what makes the America’s Cup the most coveted trophy in the world of sailing.
