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Auckland / New Zealand (dpa) - Italy dominated the start of the challenger final for the 36th edition of the America's Cup sailing classic.
In the duel with Great Britain Patrizio Bertelli's Luna Rossa team leads after the first day 2-0 against Sir Ben Ainslie's British crew.
The team that booked seven wins in the Prada Cup first can challenge New Zealand in the America's Cup.
This will start on March 6th.
For the first time in the 170-year history of the America's Cup, the Challenger Final held off Auckland in New Zealand waters is a purely European affair.
In the two opening races on Saturday, the Azzurri were able to prevail with higher speed and good boat handling in light and medium winds.
«Today we had a very good overall package.
The second race was close and could have turned out differently, ”said Italy's helmsman Francesco Bruni.
The declaration of war by the defeated four-time Olympic champion and “Britannia” helmsman Ainslie came promptly: “In the second race we sailed well today.
Luna Rossa even better.
Today we had the worse end for us.
That won't be the case tomorrow. "
The series will continue on Sunday.
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Prada Cup, 36th America's Cup Challenger Round Results