- Italy's "Silver Ball" is currently ruling the Challenge Series competitions.
The Italian challengers in the America's Cup have gained the upper hand in the Challenger Series following three days of competition. As the sole undefeated contender among the five potential challengers to New Zealand's title holder, the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli crew triumphed in their Saturday encounters against top contenders NYYC American Magic and Ineos Britannia. The British and American teams now trail behind in second and third place, both notching up two victories each.
With a tally of three points, the Italian team guided by Patrizio Bertelli presses on in their seventh pursuit of the America's Cup on Sunday. Reflecting its historical name "Luna Rossa" (red moon), this Italian AC75 yacht has gained a reputation as the "Silver Bullet" due to its shiny silver livery and remarkable early performances. Beyond its speedy vessel, the Italian crew has demonstrated robust sailing skills and no discernible weaknesses in light winds.
Up until now, Team Orient Express Racing from France has bagged a single victory. The unfortunate Swiss squad, Alinghi Red Bull Racing, remains winless, having finished bottom in the Louis Vuitton Cup preliminary round, where each team competes against each other twice. The first challenger will bow out of the race for the four Louis Vuitton Cup semifinal berths on September 8. The races of the New Zealand-based yacht "Taihoro," which made its comeback after a crane-related incident, will not contribute to the challenger's overall standing.
Spain has not yet entered the competition, as only Italian, French, British, American, and Swiss teams are currently participating in the Challenger Series. Regardless of Spain's absence, the remaining teams must maintain their focus and sailing strategies to secure a spot in the Louis Vuitton Cup semifinals.
