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Luna Rossa skipper Francesco de Angelis sees similarities between his crew and Team New Zealand as they prepare to fight for the right to race Alinghi for the America's Cup.
While Luna Rossa earned their place in the challenger series final on Sunday by beating Chris Dickson's BMW Oracle Racing 5-1, Team NZ had to wait until yesterday to claim their fifth win over Desafio Espanol.
The win came in Hauraki Gulf-like conditions in Valencia. In strong winds and big seas, Team NZ skipper Dean Barker won the race in the prestart, boxing out the Spanish which enabled him to lead his side over the line by a comfortable 14s.
Team New Zealand gained at every mark before posting a 1m 18s victory which gave them a 5-2 win over the hometown favourites.
The day was not without its dramas. The Spanish were seen bailing water out of their boat with two buckets on the first beat, while Team NZ bowman Jeremy Lomas was swept down the foredeck when the boat hit a large wave. Lomas cut his fingers but is believed to be fine.
The last time Luna Rossa and Team NZ met in the America's Cup was in 2000, when as first-time challengers, Luna Rossa, then known as Prada, made it through to the match.
However they were no contest for Russell Coutts' Team NZ, losing 5-0.
"It is interesting from a sense they are still a team that were at the top level a few years ago and they are still there," de Angelis said. "They are a very experienced team, very strong team too. I think they are up and down as well. But at this level I am sure that the racing that will come will be good."
With little expected to separate the teams in terms of boat speed, the final is expected to come down to sailing, where getting off the line and on the favoured side will be crucial.
It was there that Luna Rossa had the better of Oracle with helmsman James Spithill completely outclassing his more seasoned rival Dickson.
"At this level you need to do everything well," de Angelis said. "We have to be solid in all the different areas."
Team NZ tactician Terry Hutchinson believes the team who do the subtle things right and take advantage of every little opportunity will be the one that advances to the match.
"If you look back at the last few years the teams [Luna Rossa and Team NZ] are 50-50."
The challenger series is a best of nine race series starting on June 1.
