BarcelonaThe Moll de la Fusta in Barcelona has been dyed in the colors of the Italian flag to welcome the champions of the first women’s Copa América in history. After the institutional speeches of the mayor Jaume Collboni and the CEO of Puig, Marc Puig, the transalpine women euphorically raised the cup designed by the architect Patricia Urquiola in front of fans of the different nationalities participating in the competition.
The British team has also not been able to take the trophy, despite the fact that the sailors remained firm until the end of the competition that ended this Saturday. Even so, the sportswomen of the country that created the America’s Cup took to the stage located at the Moll de la Fusta to receive the support of the thousand attendees who wanted to be present at the first delivery of the women’s trophy. Another sign of the interest the competition has generated has been the almost record number of boats that attended the final regatta. More than 500 boats went out to sea to closely follow the final between the Italian and the British, as assured by Oriol Molina, a member of the organization.
It was Collboni himself who, after an introduction to the trilingual event – in Catalan, Spanish and English -, took to the stage to highlight the “historic” nature of the celebration of the Puig Copa America Femenina championship. King Felipe VI, who did not want to miss the competition, followed the races and probably the trophy presentation from an aircraft carrier. The head of state was not alone in his day dedicated to a sport that comes from his family, sailing; he was also accompanied by President Salvador Illa, together with the government delegate in Catalonia, Carlos Prieto; the councilors of the Generalitat Núria Parlon and Sílvia Paneque; as well as the second lieutenant of the mayor of Barcelona, Maria Eugènia Gay, and the president of the Diputació de Barcelona, Lluïsa Moret.
“The Puig Cup will inspire many women and remind them that there are no limits for female athletes,” he assured the public. Marc Puig also wanted to thank the Luna Rossa champions and the other participating teams – from New Zealand, Great Britain, the United States, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Barcelona, Canada, Germany, Sweden and Australia – ‘high level that has been maintained during the almost ten days of competition. “This regatta is the legacy that Barcelona leaves to the America’s Cup”, said the member of the third generation Puig and head of the company that gives its name to the first women’s America’s Cup regatta.
“Thank you, Italy!“
After the institutional part, the excitement took over the stage as they welcomed the winners of the championship. The champions Giulia Conti, Margherita Porro, Maria Giubilei, Giulia Fava, Alice Linussi, Maria Vittoria Marchesini and Giovanna Micol have joined hands in the ringing The singing of the Italians. The looks to the sky and tearful eyes with emotion in front of the many Italian fans waving the tricolor have marked the most emotional scene of the evening. “Thank you, Italy! Thank you, Italy! Thank you, Italy!“, was the most repeated phrase in the statements of the protagonists.
But soon the contained emotion was unleashed to give way to revelry and adrenaline when lifting the cup of the Puig Copa América Femenina. with Freed from desire enlivening the scene of euphoria, a burst of confetti ushered in the festive part of the event. Like any good championship celebration, the cava was responsible for sprinkling the seven crew members as well as other members of the Luna Rossa team and, finally, the Puig cup served as a chalice to drink the cava from Juvé and Camps.
“It’s the first day in my life that I sign an autograph for a fan,” said Maria Vittoria Marchesini in statements to ARA. The smile between euphoria and disbelief of the award-winning sailors did not fade during the half hour they spent serving the most loyal fans, from young to old. “I think we can be an inspiration for girls, all girls should know that if they work hard, they also have a chance to win the America’s Cup,” said Marchesini.
A meritorious third place
The Italian Luna Rossa, who in the men’s category came close to reaching the final against Emirates Team New Zealand, were proclaimed winners of the first edition of the women’s America’s Cup. He defeated Britain’s Athena Pathway-INEOS, who started as a heavy favorite, by just 8 seconds in the only heat –match race– which decided the final winner. The Italian boat was commanded by Olympian and two-time world champion Giulia Conti and four-time world champion Margherita Porro, just 25 years old. Efforts to reverse the race situation for the British, who were commanded by double Olympic champion Hanna Mills at the helm, were fruitless.
This first edition of the Women’s America’s Cup will be remembered for the great role played by the Spanish team. With a high Catalan participation, the Sail Team BCN was at the gates of the grand final. He was three points short of qualifying despite winning two of the four semi-final heats.
