Life couldn't get much worse for Prada after the Italian syndicate suffered their second consecutive loss today.
The defending Louis Vuitton Cup champions, beaten by Oracle BMW Racing on the first day of the challenger series, lost to Team Dennis Conner by 35s.
In a lively start, Prada's starting helmsman, Rod Davis, got to windward of Team Dennis Conner with about a minute to the gun with the boats on starboard tack.
Stars and Stripes helmsman Ken Read tacked on to port towards the committee boat end and Davis covered.
Read tacked away on to starboard less than 10s to the start but again Davis covered, beating the Americans off the line.
But despite the strong start, Prada tacked on to port away from their covering position.
Team Dennis Conner held starboard tack towards a 14-degree windshift.
When the Americans tacked on to port they crossed ahead and by the first windward mark had a 32s lead over the Italians.
And things didn't get any better for Prada as the experienced American crew edged ahead by 43s at the first leeward mark and by 51s at the second windward mark.
Prada gained 6s at the second leeward mark to reduce the American syndicate's lead to 45s.
But Team Dennis Conner flew upwind and gained a further 9s by the last mark.
The Italians managed to claw back 19s on the final run to the finish, but they were still 35s behind their opposition.
The win is Team Dennis Conner's second.
They beat GBR Challenge in their first match.
Winds: S 12-15 knots
Winning margin: 00.35
nzherald.co.nz/americascup
Racing schedule, results and standings
Conner continues winning ways as Prada stumbles
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.