The waters off Nisida were the setting for a high-intensity training day for the AC40s operating in the Gulf of Naples ahead of the America’s Cup. Sea conditions offered the crews a valuable opportunity to work on boat fine-tuning. Activities focused on various performance aspects, from speed tests and maneuvers to trim verification. It was a particularly intense and spectacular session, during which the training course in front of Nisida turned into an open-air laboratory for the crews engaged in preparation. Among the day’s most interesting moments was the head-to-head comparison between Nice Fiamme Gialle and Luna Rossa, engaged in a speed test that allowed the two crews to compare the performance of their respective boats. The Nice Fiamme Gialle team’s boat is a 24-meter sailing yacht, which underwent a complete refit by the ICE Yachts shipyard, also serving as technical sponsor.

Luna Rossa, a Particularly Incisive Pace

The comparison between the two AC40s represented one of the most exciting moments of the day. Luna Rossa displayed a particularly effective pace, turning the speed comparison into a trial that, at least in certain stretches, seemed almost like a game for the Italian crew.

Beyond the outcome of the single session, the value of these tests lies primarily in the opportunity to collect data and information directly on the field, comparing boat performance under similar conditions. For vessels that are extremely sensitive to trim and wind conditions, sessions of this type allow for the progressive refining of setup, maneuvers, and boat handling.

Closely following the activities were also the Junior Team and the Senior Team of Luna Rossa, who accompanied the boats during the various sessions. The presence of both teams made it possible to closely monitor the progress of the tests and the different activities conducted on the training course, in an effort that combines experience, data collection, and technical preparation. For a day, the Gulf of Naples thus transformed into a true testing ground for the AC40s, offering useful conditions to develop speed and maneuvering precision.

The Support of Nice Fiamme Gialle

The Operational Service of the Fiamme Gialle also contributed to the activities, present at sea to support the sessions. Personnel performed the necessary operations to ensure the safe execution of the activities, accompanying the crews during the tests in the waters off Nisida. This support was particularly important in a session characterized by close-quarters matchups and high-intensity activity.

For the Nice Fiamme Gialle team and ICE Yachts, the training days in the Gulf of Naples also represent a phase of preparation ahead of two major upcoming events on the calendar. The next goal will be the 58th edition of the Barcolana, one of the most important events in international sailing, where the crew will compete in one of the most anticipated regattas of the season. Subsequently, Nice Fiamme Gialle will also be a key feature at SNIM – Salone Nautico di Puglia, scheduled from October 22 to 26, where it will fulfill the role of official patron of the event.

The training sessions are part of a broader journey, in which the pursuit of AC40 performance goes hand in hand with the crew’s presence at major events in Italian sailing and yachting.

AC40, Speed and Fine-Tuning

The day off Nisida allowed the crews to take advantage of the conditions in the Gulf of Naples to focus on fundamental aspects of AC40 handling: speed, maneuvers, and trim adjustment. The direct comparison between Nice Fiamme Gialle and Luna Rossa added a point of particular interest to the session, offering the opportunity to measure the performance of both boats on the field. In a setting like the bay of Nisida, technical work was thus intertwined with one of the most picturesque locations in the Mediterranean.

Conclusion

The session in the waters of Nisida confirms how much work on the AC40s relies on details, experimentation, and head-to-head comparison. Speed tests, trim monitoring, and maneuvers form an essential part of preparation, especially when crews can compete under identical conditions. For Nice Fiamme Gialle, furthermore, this phase takes on special meaning ahead of the Barcolana and the subsequent commitment with SNIM in Puglia. The Gulf of Naples therefore provided not only a spectacular backdrop, but above all a concrete and intense day of work, with speed and technique at the core of the activity.

Sources and References

Nice Fiamme Gialle – FAQ