Oldest sports trophy in the world: Luna Rossa demands New Zealand

For only the third time after 1992 and 2000, an Italian team is sailing for the world's oldest sports trophy. Luna Rossa - surprisingly for many experts - prevailed in February in the final of the challengers (Prada Cup) against the British Team UK with 7:1 victories. The Italians' yacht flies particularly effectively over the water in light winds of 10 knots or more. Team New Zealand therefore wants as many whitecaps as possible in the traditional competition, the first event of which ended in victory for the New York Yacht Club and its ship “America” in 1851 off the British Isle of Wight. More and more spectacles on the high seas Sailing, or even flying, takes place in monohull boats that float above the waves. 90 km/h is possible in almost every race. The move away from catamarans after the 35th edition did not result in a return to traditional sailing. The new rockets are light years away from the elegant sailing ships, but also provide more spectacle. Wings on side-mounted daggerboards or on the rudder lift the hull completely out of the water - even during the major tack and jibe maneuvers. Alinghi before return? Team New Zeland is favored in the best-of-13 series (2 races per day). But if the outsider wins, the well-known Swiss syndicate Alinghi could return to Formula 1 sailing. At least that's what they claim Journal of Sport , according to which Alinghi has already signed an agreement with Luna Rossa as a challenger. However, this has not been confirmed. And also music of the future. First, the Italians have to prove that their high-tech missile can compete with the super sailors of the New Zealanders led by strategist Ray Davies. This can be said of the two Luna Rossa helmsmen Jimmy Spithill and Francesco Bruni. In the pre-start duels in the Prada Cup they generally got the better position. The Italians met New Zealand's Cup defenders in Auckland 21 years ago. At that time the Prada Challenge lost to the Kiwis 0:5. This time it should be different.

Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Winter sports

Tennis

Other sports

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Events

Favorites

Oldest sports trophy in the world: Luna Rossa demands New Zealand

On Wednesday night the sails will be hoisted off Auckland for the first regattas of the 36th America's Cup. Italy's syndicate Luna Rossa challenges defending champions Team New Zealand on their home turf. The “Kiwis” are the declared favorite.

Suggestions

Comments (0)