The Bay of Naples produced another spectacular day of AC40 fleet racing on Saturday, with four races completed in testing conditions that featured high speeds, tight mark roundings and dramatic position changes.
As Afloat reported from the opening day of the Preliminary Regatta, the Naples venue has provided a demanding stage for the America’s Cup teams, with the compact racing area creating close tactical battles from the start line to the finish.
French Team Emerges as Major Contender
Luna Rossa 1, led by skipper Peter Burling and co-helm Marco Gradoni, began the day in dominant form, taking the opening race and reaching speeds above 47 knots during the bear-away manoeuvres.
However, the spotlight soon shifted to La Roche-Posay Racing Team, with Quentin Delapierre and Diego Botín combining speed and precision to take control of the following races.
The French team produced a particularly impressive performance in Race 4, winning the start, controlling the first windward gate and leading around the course.
Dramatic Capsize Changes Race Outcome
Race 5 delivered one of the most dramatic moments of the regatta so far.
After establishing a commanding lead, La Roche-Posay Racing Team appeared set for another victory before a gust on the final gybe caused the AC40 to rise high on the foils before slowing into a capsize.
Foiling Fortune Turns — La Roche-Posay Racing Team’s dramatic capsize became the defining moment of Race 5 in Naples, ending a commanding lead but highlighting the intensity of the foiling fleet racing. Photo: Ian Roman
The incident allowed Emirates Team New Zealand’s Women & Youth team, led by Jake Pye with Erica Dawson on co-helm, to take the win after keeping pressure on throughout the race.
The Kiwis’ victory also highlighted the depth of the teams preparing for the Women’s America’s Cup and Youth America’s Cup events in 2027.
Luna Rossa Maintains Overall Lead
La Roche-Posay Racing Team responded immediately in the final race of the day, returning to the front with a composed display of tactical sailing. The French team controlled the right side of the course, read the shifting breeze effectively and secured victory ahead of Emirates Team New Zealand.
Kiwi Foiling Power — Emirates Team New Zealand’s AC40 powers through the Bay of Naples as the Defenders fought back into contention with a strong performance ahead of the final day’s Match Race qualification battle. Photo: Ricardo Pinto
Luna Rossa 1 finished strongly again to maintain its leading position overall, while Emirates Team New Zealand strengthened its challenge for a place in the decisive Match Race final.
After racing, Luna Rossa skipper Peter Burling described a day of rapidly changing fortunes, saying the fleet racing remained unpredictable, with boats moving from the back of the fleet to the front in a single race.
The final day of racing will determine the two teams that progress to the winner-takes-all Match Race final, with two races scheduled to complete the Preliminary Regatta.
