Luna Rossa heavy favorite. Artemis coming on strong, but can they close the gap?
Artemis has now sailed their foiling AC72 six days. They expect two more training days before racing for the first time, against Luna Rossa in the Louis Vuitton Cup semi-final on 6 August. Luna Rossa has almost 80 days in their AC72 including four races.
One day at a time. Baby steps.
Artemis trained on the race course and was happy to keep the AC72 inside the course limits going downwind. They are happy with their straightline speed downwind but recognize that they are far behind their competitors in mastering maneuvers. They have self-imposed wind limits – currently 18 knots. They hope to be comfortable with the regatta limit of 21 knots by Tuesday’s race.
Artemis learning fast on AC72 but still the underdog
Video interview of Nathan Outteridge after 5 days on AC72: good progress, but still a lot to learn to be competitive with Luna Rossa. Artemis lined up their AC72 against America’s Cup defender Oracle Team USA, and were pleased with the results.
Louis Vuitton Cup semi-final begins Tuesday 6 August.