Niall Myant-Best and Cole Tapper break down the race data from Naples PR2, comparing the teams’ starts, manoeuvres and gate roundings at the second Preliminary Regatta of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup.
Using overlaid boat tracks and performance data, they examine Luna Rossa’s starting technique, the high-speed approaches to the line, and the French team’s manoeuvres in stronger winds. Cole explains the sailing decisions behind the numbers, from slowing an AC40 without dropping off the foils to maintaining control around the gates.
Where are the teams gaining ground, and what can traffic and changing conditions tell us about their performance?
0:00 What the Naples data reveals
0:38 Two approaches to the start
7:21 Luna Rossa’s numbers at the gun
9:54 How to slow down an AC40
11:12 Building speed before the start
14:38 Breaking down the match-race start
15:50 Tacks and gybes across the wind range
18:19 France’s performance in stronger winds
20:55 Gate roundings and ride-height control
What would you like Niall and Cole to analyse next? Tell us in the comments.
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The Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup will be defended in Naples in 2027 by five-time America’s Cup winner, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron represented by their team, @EmiratesTeamNZ .
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