(Reuters) - Italy won the Youth America's Cup on Thursday with a dominant victory over the United States in their head-to-head final on the Mediterranean Sea off Barcelona.
The event is one of two regattas ahead of the America's Cup itself in October, when defenders New Zealand will face either Britain or Italy for the coveted trophy.
There were jubilant scenes on board the Italian AC40 foiling monohull after they crossed the line, with screams and hugs among the team of four sailors.
The U.S. team made a mistake with their timing before the start and were penalised, gifting the Italians the opportunity to take an early lead which they extended through the six-leg race, 'flying' above the waves on their hydrofoils.
"This is an amazing team," Italy's co-helm Marco Gradoni said on the America's Cup live broadcast after the win.
"It was super hard to get to this level, but we did it," added Gradoni, whose team came out on top from a fleet of 12 which began the youth series.
There was disappointment among the U.S. youth sailors.
"Massive congratulations ... they sailed phenomenally," U.S. co-helm Harry Melges said, while also praising his own team.
The AC40s used in the Youth America's Cup are the same boats that will be raced in the inaugural Women's America's Cup, which 12 teams will battle for next month.
(Reporting by Alexander Smith; Editing by Ken Ferris)
