LUNA ROSSA'S AMERICA'S CUP CHALLENGE

We do not have a Sports section; however, it is a topic related to culture, so here we go...

 Prada's Luna Rossa is the Italian challenger in the 34th America's Cup to be held in September in San Francisco. Oracle is the defender, hence the competition is to be held in America. It is the most prestigious sailing event in the world and a wonderful set of races to watch. I have seen two of the Oracle's boats sailing the Bay and they are breathtaking!
Here is the official Luna Rossa link http://www.lunarossachallenge.com/
Enjoy!

A dangerous enterprise Gala, as the family of England's Andrew 'Bart' Simpson know only too well:
http://www.greenwichtime.com/local/article/Death-of-America-s-Cup-sailor-remains-unsolved-4641707.php

Ghiro, although the accidental death of this Gold medalist has been regretted not only by his family but by sailing enthusiasts around the world, to say that the America's Cup is "a dangerous enterprise" is an exaggeration. In 150 years of history, this is the first death recorded (as far as I know) and if you compare sailing with other sports, it is a very safe sport. Yes, security has been an issue as the new multihulls literally fly over the water at great speed. I have seen them and, as I said, it is breathtaking. Other boats, besides the Artemis, have capsized and nobody died. A very sad incident, but I guess it was fate. Race car drivers, footballers diein much larger numbers and competitions go on. 
For those interested in the history of the America's Cup, here is all the information 
http://www.americascup.com/about/history

Yes, it is true and I personally prefer the monohulls. Safety has been reviewed and I do not think that it would happen again. It was a freak accident that should not tarnish the Cup. And I think that most people within the sailing fraternity will think in that line.

Luna Rossa: ready! Isn't she beautiful?

Well I don't think "beautiful", but she's an outstanding piece of engineering design.

Obviously, there are different concepts of beauty. The French thought that the Eiffel Tower was ugly when it was built; however, not very many will share that same opinion nowadays. In both cases, they are outstanding pieces of engineering design.

Worrying.....

http://www.ansa.it/web/notizie/rubriche/english/2013/07/05/Luna-Rossa-boycott-threat-hangs-America-Cup_8982024.html

This is Luna Rossa's own version http://luna-rossa-challenge-2013.americascup.com/en/latest/2894/luna-rossa-protests-the-race-director
 And I would add that they are right in that you cannot change the rules at the last minute. Those changes related to enhance safety may be acceptable to all challengers; however, the other ones proposed are not fair and they are right in their protest.

Luna Rossa has boycotted the opening race as part of their protest and the Kiwi boat hadnto sail on its own. Let's hope that a solution will be found!
Luna Rossa's protest

These are all the latest news about Luna Rossa's Challenge. 
http://luna-rossa-challenge-2013.americascup.com/en/latest

Luna Rossa will be competing today against Artemis the Swedish challenger that had that terrible accident earlier on, where "Bart" Simpson died. It will be a very emotional race as the sailing community is a closely knitted one and everyone deeply regretted his death. Artemis also lost its Nr 1 boat and has had to come up with a challenger in a very short time. 
Luna Rossa vs Artemis

Luna Rossa won yesterday Race 1 of the Louis Vuitton Cup (Semifinals) sailing against Artemis. Forza Luna Rossa!
Luna Rossa wins Race 1

Luna Rossa now leads 2-0, after yesterday's race. Still, in sailing you never know what may happen.

 Luna Rossa 2-0

Luna Rossa has done very well again. One more win and they will qualify for the challenger's final.
http://www.americascup.com/en/news/3/news/17176/luna-rossa-challenge-stands-one-win-away-from-louis-vuitton-cup-final
 Now, while this is good news for the Italian challenger, but racing against the Mighty Emirates/New Zealand team will be a major effort. And there is still the Americas Cup against Oracle and this should be quite a series of races.

Congratulations to Prada's Luna Rossa for qualifying as a finalist in the Louis Vuitton Cup. The Italian challenger managed to beat Sweden's Artemis 4-0; however, it should be said that Artemis had plenty of bad luck this year and luck plays an important role in sailing. The capsizing that resulted in the death of "Bart" Simpson and the loss of their Nr 1 boat was a bit too much to overcome. Now, Luna Rossa will be sailing for the finals against the Emirates New Zealand team, which will prove to be a mighty rival. All details here: Luna Rossa becomes finalist

Not very good news, I'm afraid. The Kiwis and the strong wind blowing in San Francisco's Bay are becoming  a bit of a proble. Still, anything may happen ...
Kiwis beating Luna Rossa

It is almost over for Luna Rossa   The Kiwis are leading 6-1 and today's race has been postponed because of strong winds (something quite usual in the San Francisco Bay area). What a pity!
Time runs out for Luna Rossa

Poor Luna Rossa! Such a beautiful boat!