Four days before the challenge begins.
This year I had the opportunity to cover the Louis Vuitton 37th America's Cup in Barcelona. I was simply blown away by the new fleet of AC75’s lining up to the challenge and I always marvel at the incredible design and innovation carved from the Americas Cup competition.
One of my goals in covering the Louis Vuitton Cup was to describe the alien nature of the awkwardly graceful AC75’s. Powered by human cyclors and navigated by crew dressed as fighter pilots.
I have many shots from the preliminary regatta so choosing the one to submit was difficult. From my initial edit American Magic stayed in my mind because it seems to capture a foreigner travelling across an alien seascape.
The Aussie and the Italian - Jimmy Spithill with the Luna Rossa Challenge
The Italian Luna Rossa was not just eye candy for the Americas Cup Followers they were almost the challenger. The vessels have eight crew with port & starboard skippers - this boat was helmed by the famous Aussie yachtsman Jimmy Spithill.They just missed out and winning the spot as challenger after a 4/7 loss to England last week. But - this boat was what got to me to the regatta so the following shots describe the huge contribution the team made to the 2024 Americas Cup Regatta.
What’s not to like about the Luna Rossa Challenge!
The Italian dockside fan base were the most enthusiastic crowd at the event.
Australian Skipper Jimmy Spithill (Left) gains focus before the days racing in Barcelona.
And here are some of the other boats in the regatta.
The french entry - didn’t see a lot of action.
Red Bull - close but not enough wings to get in the final three.
On a good day with the right crew both of these boats might have got over the line.
Stay tuned for images of the finalists.