9:20 AM Sun 21 Mar 2010 GMT
Auckland has marked the onset of Mascalzone Latino Audi Team in the Louis Vuitton Trophy, which will see them as the host team in La Maddalena, May 22nd.
The finals were reduced to a best of three series, due to the weather forecast of light, dying wind. Hence, Mascalzone Latino Audi Team had to win both races today on the home waters of the New Zealanders, who yesterday earned the first point. Regrettably they didn't dispute a final of 5 races, even though the wind steadily increased, leaving a bittersweet taste in the mouths of not only the competitors, but also all the spectators who went on the water to enjoy the finals.
It was a split start in today's race, ETNZ on the right and Mascalzone Latino Audi Team on the left. For almost the entire first upwind leg, the wind favoured the kiwis, but when it finally shifted to the left, the Rascals quickly closed in, rounding the mark practically together. At the spinnaker hoist, the kiwis were not surprised by the aggressive tactics shown by Brady and were able to lightly extend, always covering, playing the textbook of match racing. Mascalzone Latino didn't give up, but today the kiwis were in their best form. They didn't make any mistakes and went on to win 'their' Louis Vuitton Trophy.
'In these two weeks our group has constantly improved and we still have areas to work on,' affirmed skipper Gavin Brady, 'we are satisfied for the result obtained today, but disappointed the finals were played in only three races. I think that everybody would have like to have seen more show on the water, and these races have shown how spectacular they can be. We will meet again in La Maddalena, where being an Italian team will give us more responsibility and stimulus to do well.'
Yves Carcelle, President of Louis Vuitton, was 18th man: 'It was a heart-pounding mark rounding, I have never been aboard two boats so close together, a unique and unrepeatable emotion!'
At the dock, everybody congratulated the crew of Mascalzone Latino Audi Team: the top management of Louis Vuitton, the sailors of Emirates Team New Zealand, and above all the big crowd of locals, who hadn't forgotten the friendly spirit shown by Mascalzone Latino during the 2003 America's Cup in Auckland. See you next time in La Maddalena, an event not to be missed.
by Mascalzone Latino Audi Team
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