Italy wins Youth America's Cup - USA plays catch up after prestart penalty

American Magic and Luna Rossa - AC40 - UniCredit Youth America's Cup, Race Day 8 - September 26, 2024 © Ian Roman / America's Cup

Italy have won the Youth America's Cup in a Final that was almost over before it started.

Sailing in winds of 14-15kts, and a biggish sea state, the die was cast during the pre-start of the winner takes all Final Race for the UniCredit Youth America's Cup. The American Magic team, entering from the port end of the start line were early into the start box zone, and were promptly penalised by the booth umpires.

The US team were only permitted to clear their penalty after the start, unless the Italians were also penalised for an indiscretion, and American magic were only able to clear their penalty after tacking across Luna Rossa's stern and diving back beyond the required 75 metre penalty distance.

The Harry Melges skippered team were still in with a chance at the first Mark, which they rounded 22secs, or 150metres, after Luna Rossa. However American magic double faulted when they dug their windward foil into the steep seaway, pulling the AC40 into weather, and gave Luna Rossa another 250metres of on the water margin.

From there on the Italian's task was to defend a big lead, be ultra-careful with their boat-handling, and just maintain the loosest of covers on the Americans.

Luna Rossa did blot their copybook slightly in the closing stanzas of the the final Leg, by having a minor wash-out cutting their 800 metre lead back to 650 metres.

American Magic finished 36 seconds astern of an ecstatic, even by exuberant Italian standards, and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli came away with the first trophy win of the America's Cup Regattas.