America's Cup: Red Bull Racing mix foiling and aerobatics off VilaNova

Dario Costa of Italy flies with the AC40s of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli prior to the 37th America's Cup Preliminary Regatta in Villanova © Joerg Mitter

On Tuesday, Alinghi Red Bull Racing and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team put on a true “air show” off the coast of Vilanova, Catalonia. The two teams AC40s engaged in a series of fly-bys with the Edge 540 plane flown by Italian pilot Dario Costa in a stunning aerial spectacle.

With the AC40s foiling at 30kts, Costa navigated a series of tricky and eye-opening manoeuvres to fly between the two racing boats for an aerobatic display unlike anything seen before.

During the daring spectacle, the 41-year-old stunt pilot and professional air racer from Italy hit speeds of over 200 knots (320 km/h) in his aircraft.

.(L to R) Nicolas Charbonnier ( Alinghi Red Bull Racing), Dario Costa of Italy and Jimmy Spithill (Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team ) seen in Vilanova on September 11,2023 - photo © Luna Rossa

Dario Costa of Italy flies with the AC40s of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli prior to the 37th Americs Cup Preliminary Regatta in Villanova - photo © Jorg Mitter

Dario Costa of Italy flies with the AC40s of Alinghi Red Bull Racing and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli prior to the 37th Americs Cup Preliminary Regatta in Villanova - photo © Samo Vidic / Alinghi Red Bull Racing