Prada Testing Its Boats

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

NOVEMBER 10, 2002

Team Prada is continuing its preparation in view of the start of the Louis Vuitton Cup 2002-2003 quarter finals, scheduled to begin on Tuesday November 12. In the past few days Francesco de Angelis and his crew have been testing Luna Rossa ITA 74, used during Round Robin One and Two, with Luna Rossa ITA 80 which was heavily modifed over the past four weeks.

Today team Prada is busy with on-shore work as it's too windy to go sailing. The eight challenging teams have time until tomorrow at 13.00 to announce which boat they will be racing in the quarter finals.

Francesco de Angelis, skipper of Luna Rossa, said today: "The last three days of work have been very positive. Luna Rossa ITA 80 was launched four days ago, after four weeks spent at the yard.

“She underwent structural tests the same day and sailed in a fresh breeze above twenty knots. We sailed her for three consecutive days, spending as much time on the water as possible, always in strong wind conditions. We did not encountenr any problem and this is already an important result with these boats that are so extreme and complex.

“We also started sailing again with two boats and this is very important because it allows us to grow under many aspects. We had not had this opportunity lately and we truly enjoyed it. It is really difficult to draw conclusions after only three days of sailing, especially because we had a limited set of wind speed (18-23 knots) and there are many different wind conditons under which we would like to test ITA 80.

“For the Quarter Finals I am asking the crew to be focused, aggressive, attentive and determined. It is an important and difficult appointment and the stakes are high. The advantage for those who pass directly to the Semi Finals is considerable."

The opening press conference for the quarter finals will take place tomorrow morning at 9.00 am at the Louis Vuitton Media Centre.

From Tuesday November 12 Luna Rossa will face Alinghi in a best of seven series.

http://www.pradalunarossa.com

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