Half a year ago nobody would have thought that come November, Patrizio Bertelli’s Luna Rossa would be in a seemingly advantageous position over Oracle Team USA and Artemis Racing. They had entered the 34th America’s Cup much later than the American and Swedish teams and although they had a far-reaching and unprecedented collaboration with Emirates Team New Zealand, the gap with them seemed unbridgeable.
However, on Friday afternoon, following the successful launch of their brand new AC72 yacht in Auckland, the Italians became the second team to have a fully operating AC72 yacht. According to Bertelli, the launch took place on time and at no moment was the entire process behind schedule. The Luna Rossa AC72 was planned to be launched in October and so she did. Both Artemis Racing and Oracle Racing are facing considerable setbacks while the Italians and the Kiwis will start their match racing practice races around November 10th.
French multihull guru Franck Cammas prepares Luna Rossa’s AC72 for her launch. Auckland, 26 October 2012. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / VSail.info
Luna Rossa launch their brand new AC72 yacht. Auckland, 26 October 2012. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / VSail.info
Luna Rossa launch their brand new AC72 yacht. Auckland, 26 October 2012. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / VSail.info
Luna Rossa launch their brand new AC72 yacht. Auckland, 26 October 2012. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / VSail.info
Luna Rossa launch their brand new AC72 yacht. Auckland, 26 October 2012. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / VSail.info
Luna Rossa launch their brand new AC72 yacht. Auckland, 26 October 2012. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / VSail.info
Luna Rossa launch their brand new AC72 yacht. Auckland, 26 October 2012. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / VSail.info