American Magic Fights to the End, But Luna Rossa Advances

The tension was high as NYYC American Magic entered the start box on port, with Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli on starboard. Both teams were on foils, and while American Magic crossed the line first, Luna Rossa found the better pressure early, forcing the U.S. team to tack away.

As the race progressed, Luna Rossa took advantage on the upwind leg, rounding the first gate with a 20-second lead. Despite aggressive tacks from American Magic, the Italians extended their lead on the downwind leg, capitalizing on better boat speed and course pressure. At the second gate, the gap grew to 21 seconds.

On the upwind leg, with the wind increasing, American Magic closed the gap slightly, thanks to sharp helming by Tom Slingsby and Lucas Calabrese.

As the race continued, the Americans briefly narrowed the gap, finding some breeze and clawing back distance. But a touchdown cost them those gains. Luna Rossa sailed a flawless race through the fifth leg, increasing their lead to 51 seconds by the final mark.

In the end, Luna Rossa crossed the finish line first, securing the win and ending American Magic’s run in the Louis Vuitton Cup. Despite a determined fight, the Americans couldn’t close the gap, and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli advanced to the final with a 5-3 victory.

American Magic gave it everything, but their America’s Cup campaign comes to an end.