After more than a century, the America’s Cup was held in Europe, with 12 teams on the starting line. Representing Yacht Club Italiano, Luna Rossa defeated the American team Oracle 5–1 in the semifinals of the Challenger Selection Series, thanks in part to the skill of young helmsman Jimmy Spithill. The campaign then came to an end in the Louis Vuitton Cup Final, after five hard-fought races against Emirates Team New Zealand.