The La Roche-Posay Racing Team, with Spaniards Botín and Trittel on board, made its debut in the first pre-regatta of the America's Cup held in Naples. This weekend, the French team showed solid performance in Italian waters, marking the start of preparation for the 2027 Cup. Adaptation to the boat and the team was the key point of their initial performance.
Innovation on board: the secret of the AC75 in Naples ⛵
The French boat, a state-of-the-art AC75, integrates foil systems and flight control that allow sailing at speeds exceeding 50 knots. The crew, including Botín and Trittel, has worked on synchronizing hydraulic adjustments and managing the rigid sails. The data collected during this pre-regatta will be key to optimizing maneuvers and response in variable wind conditions like those in the Gulf of Naples.
Sailing in Naples: between pizza, spaghetti, and treacherous waves 🍕
Debuting in the America's Cup with a pre-regatta in Naples has its advantages: at least, if the boat sinks, you can always console yourself with a pizza from the best pizzeria in the port. Botín and Trittel showed they not only know how to tame the waves but also how to dodge tourists on motorboats who think they are at a fairground attraction. If the French team keeps up this pace, they might finish the regatta before their coffee is served.