The seventh match of the first semi-final in the Louis Vuitton Challenger Selection Series saw an intense showdown between Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli (ITA) and American Magic (USA).
The race began with American Magic just 12 meters shy of the starting line, with Luna Rossa positioned on their hip. Luna Rossa tacked immediately, sending American Magic into the port corner at the top of the course.
Both teams took opposite gates at Mark 1, where Luna Rossa protested against American Magic for starboard crossing. The protest was not upheld, and American Magic led by 7 seconds as they rounded Mark 1.
Luna Rossa found better pressure on the starboard boundary, allowing them to take a brief lead. However, American Magic countered with pressure from the starboard side, retaking the lead by 70 meters.
As the teams approached Mark 2, the gap was reduced to just 4 seconds in favor of American Magic. Luna Rossa once again found stronger winds on the starboard side, triggering another lead change. The two boats converged at Mark 3, with American Magic entering on port but with the right of way.
Tragically for Luna Rossa, disaster struck at Mark 3 when they suffered a major structural failure, breaking their traveler system. The breakdown forced Luna Rossa out of the race, leaving American Magic to finish the race uncontested.
