Luna Rossa beats Team New Zealand in Naples preliminary regatta

Luna Rossa, led by skipper Peter Burling, defeated Team New Zealand in the head-to-head match-race final of the America's Cup preliminary regatta in Naples. This victory marks the second time this year that Burling's Italian crew has beaten the holders, following a similar result in Sardinia in May.

The final was decided by a startline error from Team New Zealand, where a bad tack left the crew late over the line. Nathan Outteridge, the Team New Zealand skipper, noted that the crew fought for the right-hand side but was late with the final tack and trigger. Luna Rossa then pulled away to secure a win of either 17 or 33 seconds.

Luna Rossa dominated the weekend, topping the fleet racing standings with 71 points, while Team New Zealand finished second with 56 points. The Italian crew for the final included regular Gianluigi Ugolini alongside co-helm Marco Gradoni and trimmer Maria Giubilei, both promoted from the Italian women's and youth squad.

While the AC40 regatta does not affect next year's America's Cup standings, it serves as preparation for the competition in larger AC75 yachts. Team New Zealand will now return to Auckland to focus on the development of their AC75 boat, Taihoro.

How it developed

• Mon 28 Sep, 9:58amTeam New Zealand confirmed they are returning to Auckland to focus on the performance development of their AC75 boat, Taihoro.

Where reports differ

• Reports vary on the margin of Luna Rossa's victory in the final, citing either 17 seconds or 33 seconds

Compiled from reports by Stuff, RNZ, NZ Herald and The Post.