Prada Cup: Luna Rossa is ahead of Ineos

In Auckland, New Zealand, the sailing competition between the Italian Luna Rossa and the English team Ineos is taking place for the Prada Cup, the winner of which will challenge the very strong Emirates Team New Zealand in the America's Cup 2021. To win the competition it is necessary to obtain 7 wins out of 13 total lighthouses and at the moment Luna Rossa has imposed itself in the first two races, thus taking on 2-0.

If you have never seen a sailing competition of this caliber, I invite you to do so, although we do not have, or I speak for myself, any technical knowledge of the boat, of the technical terms and strategies, you are not penalized at all in the vision and enjoyment of the show. Honestly, the reason I started watching regattas is because I love the sea and New Zealand is among the most beautiful in the world.

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Described in a very simple way, the competition therefore takes place between the two boats from a point delineated by the buoys and they must sail a stretch of sea, turn around the buoy that marks the end of the navigation field and go back. Now it would all seem very simple but I remember that these are sailing boats that need the wind so that they can be pushed at high speeds. The wind does not blow in a unidirectional way and the skipper's ability lies precisely in finding the right direction to obtain a greater thrust and for this reason the boats carry out different maneuvers or routes, avoiding queuing up to the boat in front, otherwise you risk having less wind and therefore it is slower.

Fascinating isn't it? It's not monotonous at all and I'm sure you'll get hooked easily. And if the boat of your nationality is competing, then you will be more passionate in cheering. The boats are also beautiful, the result of the highest naval technology, built with aerodynamic and very light materials, as well as being extremely resistant. When the boat reaches 47 knots of speed, it tends to fly on the water, beautiful to see but honestly I would be not a little afraid to be a member of the crew. It is not uncommon for boats to capsize at these speeds, but fortunately they are constantly assisted by rescue boats that follow the competing teams from a safe distance.

Contrary to what one might think, sailing is anything but a monotonous sport. Like all team sports competitions, every single member of the crew is fundamental to the final result, each one has the role of her and it is fun to see how often they alternate from one side of the boat to the other to balance it while sailing. Balance is obviously a fundamental status for the speed and also the resistance of the boat, a little misunderstanding is enough to compromise the race.

I hope after these posts I have convinced you to watch at least one race and I would be very happy to read your feedback on it. Clearly I cheer for Luna Rossa, if it was not understood 😁✌️😜