Italy’s Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli emerged victorious in the first race of the America’s Cup challengers final against INEOS Britannia in an impressive display of sailing prowess in high winds off the coast of Barcelona on Thursday. The intense competition saw Luna Rossa leading from the first gate and maintaining their lead throughout the race, ultimately finishing some 700 meters and 46 seconds ahead of Britannia.

The challenging conditions with winds reaching speeds of up to 50 knots forced race officials to extend the race from six to eight legs, adding an extra layer of difficulty to the already high-stakes event. Luna Rossa’s silver-hulled boat navigated the turbulent waters flawlessly, showcasing their skill and determination to clinch the first win of the series.

The America’s Cup challengers final will see the first-to-seven-wins yacht lifting the prestigious Louis Vuitton Cup before facing off against defending champion Team Emirates New Zealand for the ultimate prize next month. This showdown marks a critical moment in the competition, with both teams vying for the chance to etch their names in the history of the America’s Cup.

The rivalry between Luna Rossa and Britannia dates back to the previous challengers final in 2021, where Luna Rossa emerged victorious with a 7-1 win over Britannia. Although both teams have had their share of successes and setbacks, neither Britain nor Italy has secured an America’s Cup victory since the event’s inception in 1851, adding an extra layer of anticipation and excitement to the current battle for supremacy on the seas.

As the challengers final progresses and the competition heats up, sailing enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly following the races, eager to witness history in the making as the top yachtsmen battle it out for the ultimate prize in one of the world’s most prestigious sailing events.