Luna Rossa skipper Max Sirena insisted the Italian syndicate was full of confidence ahead of its America's Cup showdown with Team New Zealand in Auckland on Wednesday, despite being written off by bookies and pundits. Sirena said the Italians had been underestimated at every stage of the America's Cup build-up, despite posting convincing wins over rival challengers American Magic and Ineos Team UK. The veteran sailor, in his seventh America's Cup campaign, was unsurprised Luna Rossa was again being labelled the underdog against a powerful Team NZ outfit. Experts have been similarly dismissive of Luna Rossa's chances, with four-time cup winner Murray Jones declaring, "I think Team New Zealand will win easily." But he said Luna Rossa had proved itself in lighter winds - which are expected in Auckland's Waitemata Harbour on Wednesday - and had achieved an impressive top speed of 53.4 knots.

Source: News 24 March 09, 2021 06:22 UTC