America’s Sailing Cup: Italians Draw New Zealand – sport

Auckland / New Zealand (AFP) Defending champions New Zealand and Italy opened the 36th American Cup at eye level. The balance between kiwi and Europeans equals 1: 1.

After a confident start and a controlled race, Emirates’ favorite team in New Zealand led by captain Peter Burling 31 seconds before got their first winning point. In the second race, the Azuri turned the tide with a better start. The New Zealanders did well in the final stages, but Luna Rossa reached the finish line seven seconds earlier.

“We’re so happy we started,” said Berling after the first round. For the second race, the 30-year-old admitted, “We looked a little rusty at first.” The other way was with two assistants Jimmy Spethyl (Sydney) and Francesco Bruni (Palermo) in “Luna Rossa” https://www.sueddeutsche.de/sport/. “We had a chance to start,” Bruni said, “But we didn’t do well. After winning the second race, two-time trophy winner Spithill was delighted:“ It’s great to be able to compete. ”

The assumption of many experts that the New Zealanders could dominate the chain with an initially faster boat in winds of 10 to 12 knots has not been confirmed. Instead, a realization that beginnings determine results. “The two boats are closer to each other than I thought,” said Martin Fischer, the Italian-German Co-Design Coordinator. The final will continue on March 12th from 4.15 AM German time with Races 3 and 4. The winner is the team with seven wins first.

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210310-99-759582 / 2