The Louis Vuitton Cup Final is taking place in Barcelona from 26 September to 5 October (up to the 7th with reserve days), with the last two Challengers battling it out for the privilege to take on Defender of the America’s Cup, Emirates Team New Zealand.

The Italians on Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli are duelling with the Brits on YCM member Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS Britannia. The rules are simple: the first to win seven matches goes through as the official Challenger to Emirates Team New Zealand led by Matteo de Nora, member of YCM’s Management Committee.

From the get-go, the Louis Vuitton Cup Final between INEOS Britannia and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli has proved to be a fiercely fought affair. With the score tied at 2-2 after one eventful day of racing in Barcelona the contest was delayed by strong winds, above the permitted 21 knots.

On the first day, Luna Rossa was penalised for having received outside assistance with a sail problem, handing victory to the British team. In the second race both boats had a great start with Luna Rossa managing to maintain a slight lead all through the race, despite several attempts by INEOS Britannia to overtake, to win it by a mere four seconds.

The day was marred by technical incidents for both teams, although both overcame their problems. The two crews are putting on a fine display of skill reaching speeds up to 50 knots much to the delight of the fans watching. It could still go either way in this “first to seven points” format, with more nail-biting duels to come.

After a mixed day on the Saturday when organisers were forced to cancel the day’s one race due to lack of wind, the two met again Monday, the bit between their teeth, ready for battle. It was another scintillating day for spectators that ended one all.