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Light winds have put a big question mark over the Prada Cup semi-final race in Auckland on Saturday.
The contest between Luna Rossa and American Magic has gone from one extreme to the other after the Italians took a 2-0 lead with winds pushing the upper limit of 21 knots on Friday.
Needing two more victories to claim a spot in the Prada Cup final against INEOS Team UK, Luna Rossa will have the light winds that they enjoy on Saturday, if the races can even begin.
Phil Walter / Getty Images
American Magic and Luna Rossa hope to have enough wind to resume their Prada Cup semifinal on Saturday.
Regatta director Iain Murray said there were “no guarantees” with light southeastern winds forecast for the scheduled start at 3:15 pm and the possibility that they could move further east or even northeast. Two races are planned.
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Winds were forecast in the 7-10 knot range “which would be great,” Murray said.
But even that forecast could be hopeful. Winds must be above 6.5 knots to start running.
Murray summed up the situation as “prepare for the worst and hope for the best.”
He has returned to the Course A area further up the north shore of Auckland, looking for some wind compression between the northern area of Rangitoto Island and the main road.
The area also gives Murray the ability to rotate the course if rough wind hits it.
Milford, Castor Bay, Campbells Bay, Mairangi Bay, Browns Bay, and Torbay could offer good observation points from land.
Races cannot start after 6 pm Murray can reduce the races to four stages to try and do them. The first stage must be completed in 12 minutes or the entire race completed in 45 minutes, otherwise the race will be abandoned.
Sunday’s forecast doesn’t look much better. Monday is scheduled as a day off, Tuesday as race day on the calendar, and Wednesday and Thursday as reserve days.
Luna Rossa has proven to be strong in the lightest of airs and showed her improved performance in stronger winds as they seek to turn their boat into an off-road.
American Magic’s return from the Patriot roll-over did not go well on Friday as they seemed hesitant and suffered from rudder issues.
Their campaign is now on a razor’s edge, and they have to find some magic to keep the semi-final alive.
TVNZ
Luna Rossa had quite a stir, but sailed to a 2-0 lead in the Prada Cup when the Americans faced bigger problems.
