Italian SailGP CEO Jimmy Spithill is pleasantly surprised at how competitive the newcomers are.

Despite having a new team and limited time to get to grips with the SailGP yachts, the Italians are 5th heading into this afternoon's final stanza of the season's second regatta in Auckland.

Spithill was rapt with their two 3rds and two 7ths on Day One- and told Piney being competitive so early in the season is a major first step.

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