(ANSA) Cagliari, August 28 - Crowds of fans lined up
Thursday for the first ever open day allowing the public to
visit the headquarters of Italy's Luna Rossa sailing team
training for the next Americas Cup.
Just 30 people were admitted for the exclusive tour of the
majestic boats moored at the Sabaudo jetty of the Sardinian port
of Cagliari, including the recently modified AC45 catamarans as
well as visits to the team's gymnasium, lounge and canteen used
by the 90 crew members and support staff.
Taking photos was strictly forbidden in some areas of the
12,000 sq M yachting village where new techniques that could be
crucial for winning the contest are experimented.
Most popular among the visitors was the chance of a
close-up look at the 22 metre AC72 catamaran that was raced at
last year's Americas Cup in San Francisco.
A second open day is due to be held Oct. 15.
Luna Rossa mania grips Sardinia
Catamaran raced at San Francisco last year thrills public