The one design nature of the America’s Cup World Circus should not be used as a form-guide for the real event, but the most recent event in Naples shows that the newly announced Luna Rossa Challenge have the talent to give defenders ORACLE Racing a run.
Chris Draper, who surprised many last year when he was competitive skippering the underfunded newcomers Team Korea, led his Luna Rossa crew to a win in the final fleet race in Naples, Italy. Draper said:
“We’re very pleased with the event, with the team effort. We didn’t have huge expectations, but to come away with a first (in the fleet racing) and a second (in the match racing) is awesome.”
“We sailed along the shore after the finish and it’s insane to see how many people are here. As a sailor you’d never imagine having so many people watching. It’s great for the sport, and great to be part of an Italian team in front of all these people. We’re very proud.”
Australian James Spithill, helming one of the American ORACLE Racing boats said
“The key thing was hanging in there and looking for the opportunities, and there were plenty out there. JK (tactician John Kostecki) and the guys did a very nice job… In those sorts of conditions you can go from hero to zero in a matter of seconds. We knew we just had to hang tough and wait for the opportunities. The guys found some good ways back and got us up there.”
Artemis Racing, the Challenger of Record didn’t live up to expectations in 2011, but they pulled back some pride in Naples, winning the Match Racing element of the regatta.
Terry Hutchinson said:
“I can’t say enough about the effort from the guys on the boat and on the shore. After Wednesday, we’d have taken today’s result, that’s for sure. Our team trainer says it’s not how you fall down, but how you get up. Now we have to come back in a few weeks in Venice and work on our consistency.”
The next round is in Venice.
