Luna Rossa has unveiled a modified AC75 yacht in Cagliari as the Italian America’s Cup challenger stepped up preparations for the next edition of the Cup. The highly secretive test took place shortly after 4 pm local time at the team’s Molo Ichnusa base in Sardinia.
The AC75, described as a re-commissioned version of the team’s “B3” boat, was rolled from the team tent before undergoing a short tow test in the Bay of Angels. Importantly, the testing was conducted without a rig or sails fitted to the yacht.
Luna Rossa’s modified AC75 undergoes tow testing off Sardinia without rig or sails fitted ahead of the team’s first scheduled sailing session next week. Photo: America'c Cup
New Luna Rossa skipper Peter Burling was seen aboard alongside Vittorio Bissaro, Marco Gradoni, Umberto Molineris and Gianluigi “Gigi” Ugolini. The one-hour session focused on electronic foil systems, rudder pitch angles and cant-arm performance rather than sailing performance.
According to the America’s Cup recon team, the boat featured “a new paint job on the arms and stocks” along with “minor modifications” including a shorter torpedo configuration. The recon report added, “Several cameras with previously tested housings were mounted… suggesting additional local focus.”
The yacht was towed for around 20 minutes at speeds between 25 and 32 knots while engineers tested different rudder rake and foil cant settings. Observers also noted increased wing piercing on the starboard foil during the trials.
The boat returned to the dock shortly before 7 pm local time and was lifted from the water immediately afterwards. Luna Rossa is expected to begin full sailing tests next week.
