1.00pm - By JULIE ASH
Prada beat their countrymen Mascalzone Latino this afternoon finally bringing the first round of the Louis Vuitton challenger series to a close.
In winds ranging from 9 to 12 knots, the match was held on a shortened course of four legs rather than the usual six, and got underway just after 11am.
Prada, sailing their revamped Luna Rossa ITA74, had their bow over the line at the start and were forced to dip back twice, handing the 'Latin Rascals' a 19s advantage.
But the modifications to Luna Rossa seemed to have worked as Prada powered ahead to lead by 49s at the first mark.
By the third mark Prada had extended their lead to 4 minutes 31s, thanks partly to a huge shift in wind direction on the second beat, before winning by 4 minutes 28s.
The win lifts Prada to fourth equal on the table alongside Team Dennis Conner and GBR Challenge.
Mascalzone Latino ended the round with one win and seven losses in eighth place.
nzherald.co.nz/americascup
Racing schedule, results and standings
Prada fend off the 'Rascals'
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.