Unforgettable scenes: AC38 Cagliari Preliminary Regatta photo special

So, how was it for you? Finally, after 18 months of nothing but intrigue, breaking news and the usual move-and-shaker noise, the America’s Cup was back on the water last weekend, with a Preliminary Regatta we’ll never forget. It more than lived up to the hype.

The Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup itself is still 14 months away, of course. But with seven teams confirmed and five of them ready to let rip with their AC40s, the prelim in Cagliari, Sardinia was just the taster we needed to get the juices flowing.

The prospect of eight boats representing the five teams – two each from Athena Racing/GB1, Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa – had The Foil’s team and AC fans around the globe glued to the coverage coming direct from the glittering waters off the Italian island over three glorious days last weekend.

Stories were, of course, plentiful: how Luna Rossa’s Women & Youth undercut and embarrassed their senior men’s crew – until it mattered most of all; the trials and tribulations of GB1’s double trouble on the opening two days, only for a glint of retribution to rear its head on the final one; and capsizes and a host of near-misses creating sensational fleet race drama. 

It was all unmissable – even if ultimately it counted for nothing. 

There were no points on offer and the whole show amounted to little more than a warm-up for teams and new crews. But to dismiss it as inconsequential is missing the point. AC racing matters – even when it doesn’t…

Hopefully, you’ll have watched, read and consumed The Foil’s coverage. But here's an added extra: some of the choice images from a fabulous weekend of racing, courtesy of ace photographer Jason Ludlow. Scroll down and enjoy.