After having concluded the international race circuit the Luna Rossa Sailing Team met in Valencia yesterday to resume on-the-water training for the build up of next year’s Louis Vuitton Cup. During the past six weeks the shore team and the boat builders have finalised select modifications on board ITA86 and ITA74 under the supervision of the design team.

Francesco de Angelis, Head of Team Luna Rossa, commented: “During the August break we worked on both boats and on their components. We also operated on ITA74, our B boat, as to have an effective testing partner for aspects pertaining to the trying out of new components and for those linked to the development of the Sailing Team. Some of the changes had been planned as early as March, but we had to wait for the racing season to end.

“As of today our goal will be that of verifying what progress has been made using the July tests as a benchmark. We will tap into any opportunities that arise through meeting the other teams at sea. This will allow us to validate our work with an eye on the decisions that need to be made regarding the components of the second boat. A very important development period awaits us, which we enter into with great concentration and tranquility.”

Fleet Racing of the Valencia Louis Vuitton Act 13, the last of the series, will kick off 3 April 2007. Immediately following, the selection phase that defines the official Challenger will take place from the 18 April until the 12 June. The official Challenger will then face off against the defender Team Alinghi to conquer the America’s Cup.