Louis Vuitton Cup 2013: Results and Analysis from Tuesday's Semifinal Regatta

The 2013 America's Cup of sailing shined bright again Tuesday in San Francisco as Luna Rossa Challenge topped Artemis Racing in the first heat of a best-of-seven semifinal in the Louis Vuitton Cup. 

America's Cup captured the winning side in this picture on Twitter as they crossed the finish line:

It wasn't a tight-knit race between the Italian side of Luna Rossa and the Swedish side of Artemis, with Luna Rossa pulling out to a commanding early lead and never looking back. They would end up winning by exactly two minutes. 

For the latter part of the race, announcers were already looking ahead to Wednesday's second race and talking about the Italians' chances of pulling one win closer to the final.

Artemis stayed well within striking distance throughout much of the race, but they could hardly match Luna Rossa's speed during the race as the Italians continued to pull away. 

Superior downwind played a big part in Luna Rossa's ability to pull out to an early lead, as they steered their way around San Francisco's bay area and the intricate course designed to test the yachting pros' ability to control their sails.

On a seven-leg race course Tuesday that was designed to go 45 to 48 minutes, Luna Rossa came in at 43:20 to Artemis Racing's 45:20.

The America's Cup Instagram account posted a picture of the victorious boat just before take off on Tuesday's opening heat:

On Twitter, America's Cup posted the post-race stats that you can see below:

The Louis Vuitton Cup semifinals have reached their second stage between Luna Rossa Challenge and Artemis Racing, with Tuesday being Race 1. The second race comes Wednesday before a rest day on Thursday.

If the series goes the distance, it will end on August 15, when the winner will face Emirates Team New Zealand in the championship.

Whoever comes out on top in the Louis Vuitton Cup will head to the America's Cup championship against Team USA.