They had an alliance with French team, Le Défi, increasing their access to craft and knowledge considerably.

[1] Headed by Chaoyong Wang, the China Team are in the process of rebuilding their program and have made numerous changes since America's Cup 32.

Stuart James was originally brought in as Chief Marketing Officer, but has since been promoted to Executive Director.

The team has added World Match Racing Champion Ian Williams as skipper and replaced most of the French Squad with a multinational contingent representing five countries and numerous America's Cups.

Ian Williams managed to force the Italians into an early penalty prior to the start, but Luna Rossa led at the gun and through the first three marks.