The photos and reports coming out of Naples for the first day of racing at the America's Cup World Series are incredible! Wind estimated up to 25 knots, and a good, solid chop, made for some exciting action, including a pitch down the mine by Artemis Racing which severely damaged their wing. AC Organizers estimate the crowds at 50,000, a huge step above the paltry crowds seen at the ACWS in San Diego last November.
Artemis wasn't' the only team with damage, Bundy had a little trouble too, from his FB, "We didn't fair to well in the match race seedings today finishing 5th in the first race and not being able to compete in the second due to a big buckle in the hull that cracked from the hatch in the deck down the hull...Massive waves today and hard to keep the boat in the water. Our shore crew has a big night ahead of them to get us on the water again tomorrow. Lucky for us we have the best guys on the job." Hopefully the America's Cup Composite (ACC) team can get them sorted!
At the end of the day, Emerates Team New Zealand and sit at the top of the leader board, followed by Oracle Racing's Spitthill in the two spot. For an incredible showing for his debut performance at the Naples ACWS, Nathan Outterage skipper of Team Korea, fills the third spot. America's Cup World Series.
Carlo Borlenghi
Guilian Grenier
Standings after day 1:
1. Emirates Team New Zealand (Skipper: Dean Barker) 2. ORACLE Racing - Spithill (Skipper: James Spithill) 3. Team Korea (Skipper: Nathan Outteridge) 4. Energy Team (Skipper: Yann Guichard) 5. Luna Rossa - Swordfish (Helmsman: Paul Campbell-James) 6. Luna Rossa - Piranha (Helmsman: Chris Draper) 7. ORACLE Racing - Bundock (Skipper: Darren Bundock) 8. Artemis Racing (Skipper: Terry Hutchinson) 9. China Team (Skipper: Fred Le Peutrec)
Carlo Borlenghi
Guilian Grenier