August 2002, leaving for New Zealand Just over one month left to get acquainted and fine-tune the two new Luna Rossa - ITA 74 and ITA 80 - before the start of the Challengers' selection series.
September 2002, Auckland, New Zealand The first Round Robin begins on October 1st. The team closes with four wins and four defeats. Dissatisfied with this result, it decides to perform substantial modifications on the hull and appendages. A new bow is designed, built and installed in record time on ITA 74. Also a new keel, already planned in the development program, is installed on the boat. In the second Round Robin, ITA 74 wins seven of the eight races and qualifies for the quarter finals. Luna Rossa modifies the bow on ITA 74 again, optimizes its mast and appendages and resumes racing with a virtually new yacht. In the following phase, Luna Rossa ITA 74 wins all four regattas and qualifies to race the semi-finals against One World, who will win the match.