The Red Moon Continues to Shine After a Resolute Italian Effort
by Magnus Wheatley 5 Oct 07:22 PDT
Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli AC75 © Ian Roman / America’s Cup
To the dismay of fervent Italian sailing supporters in Barcelona and beyond, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli – perhaps the most meticulously planned contender in the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup – concludes its journey following a fiercely fought Louis Vuitton Cup Final against the British Challenger of Record, INEOS Britannia.
The Italian challenge concluded with a series tally of 7-4, leaving the team lamenting technical issues and damages while graciously extending congratulations to their rival, INEOS Britannia, in exemplary sportsmanship.
Starboard helm Jimmy Spithill displayed grace in defeat, stating: “First and foremost, well done to Ben (Ainslie) and his team; an incredible effort. They’ve built that team over the last ten years, and after almost getting there last time when we eliminated them, today they were the stronger team.”
“We boasted an excellent vessel, and it’s hard to articulate exactly, but I can only express gratitude to my teammates and congratulate them for their remarkable efforts.”
Spithill also acknowledged Patrizio Bertelli, the team Chairman, and his family’s unwavering support, noting: “Look at what Mr. Bertelli and his family have contributed to sailing in Italy, and the sophistication they embody in this endeavor. Working with them and getting to know the entire family has been memorable throughout these campaigns. I deeply respect individuals who don’t give up; he and his family exemplify that passion and dedication to the team, which truly functions as a family. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of such an exceptional organization.”
From the outset, this was a team fueled by experience and a strong desire to excel in Barcelona. Following their appearance in the 2021 36th America’s Cup Match in Auckland, where they triumphed in three races against Emirates Team New Zealand before losing to them in their own waters, there was genuine optimism that in 2024, they could secure the ancient America’s Cup trophy for Italy.
With the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Protocol revealed in mid-November 2021, the Luna Rossa team promptly lodged their challenge on December 1, 2021, officially challenging the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron via the Circolo della Vela Sicilia.
Behind the scenes, America’s Cup veteran Max Sirena was confirmed as Team Director and Skipper, while a core group of longstanding Luna Rossa designers, builders, sailors, and support staff were retained to commence work on the challenge.
The outcome was an innovative LEQ12 prototype launched on October 13, 2022, by Mr. Bertelli’s wife, Miuccia Prada, who smashed a traditional bottle at the yacht’s bow, thereby christening her ‘Luna Rossa.’ By her side were Mr. Bertelli, Marco Tronchetti Provera – Executive Vice President and CEO of Pirelli – Agostino Randazzo, President of the Circolo della Vela Sicilia, and skipper Max Sirena.
At the launch, Sirena reflected: “Seeing the Luna Rossa Prototype hit the water is a proud moment. This innovative project will focus all our development that will be transitioned to the new AC75 for the 37th America’s Cup. The process has been intricate; we leveraged our experiences from previous editions to enhance vital elements, define lines, and elevate aerodynamic and hydrodynamic features.”
“For Luna Rossa, the launch signifies a true launchpad. Beyond its technical role, this prototype allowed for an immediate restart of our campaign, which is crucial when there are many new personnel across various departments. Building and refining a new hull here in Cagliari has also been a beneficial human experience: the challenge of crafting a new hull has energized the entire team, both physically and mentally. Today marks another milestone on our journey toward the 37th America’s Cup. The challenge begins now.”
Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli’s Head of Design, Horacio Carabelli, added: “We gained invaluable insights from the last Cup, thus the prototype embodies all successful solutions we have explored over time. Once the rules were published, I convened with designers from various sectors to define our boat’s essential characteristics; we established measurements, appendage shapes, dimensions, rudders, sail area, and displacement. Essentially, we defined the preliminary technical specifics.”
Sailing the LEQ12 from the team’s remarkable facility on Molo Ichnusa in Cagliari’s port was documented extensively and broadcast worldwide through the America’s Cup Joint Reconnaissance Programme.
What emerged was a top-notch sailing team. Memorable windy winter days in the Bay of Angels during 2023 witnessed capsizes and breathtaking velocities, with snow blanketing the mountains behind and the yacht’s stunning hull graphics enhancing its speed and creating a visual spectacle. The team tirelessly worked on systems and foil development to refine the design of their new one-off AC75, which was taking shape concurrently.
Simultaneously, the team received their AC40 yachts and promptly initiated preparations for their talented youth and women sailors. The AC40 also facilitated engaging two-boat practice against the Italian LEQ12 as training intensified.
Jimmy Spithill, a two-time America’s Cup victor and seasoned Luna Rossa sailor, returned to lead an elite cadre of sailors, joined by his 2021 helming partner, experienced Francesco Bruni. However, the emerging talents of Olympic double Gold Medallist Ruggero Tita and three-time Optimist World Champion Marco Gradoni also partook in considerable AC75 training time in Cagliari.
By the inaugural Preliminary Regatta in Vilanova i La Geltrú in September 2023, Luna Rossa was demonstrating high-caliber performance. Spithill and Bruni lined up with the flight control and trim team of Umberto Molineris and Andrea Tesei, although the quartet’s limited AC40 training was evident in the prevailing light winds.
The team secured fourth place overall, with Sirena immediately seeking enhancements: “We anticipated challenges, but certainly, we’re disappointed with this event’s outcome. Our extensive study revealed that we suffered from subpar starts. We’re returning home for a thorough analysis through various debriefs to ensure we’re as prepared as possible and that our performance reflects our team’s caliber in Jeddah.”
Sirena took a tactical leap at the Jeddah Preliminary Regatta, enlisting his young stars certain to play significant roles in future Italian America’s Cup campaigns.
Tita and Gradoni sailed remarkably, eager to impress Sirena and ultimately finished as runners-up to Emirates Team New Zealand after an exhilarating final race confrontation.
At that time, Sirena remarked: “This achievement stems from our collective efforts across the entire team and serves as further motivation for our upcoming progression towards the next Cup. Witnessing such high-level performance fills me with pride, and I commend the crew for their race conduct. Undoubtedly, when competing, our aim is to win, and not meeting that goal is disheartening; however, this ‘hunger’ for victory will fuel our preparedness for future events.”
The team returned to Cagliari after Jeddah and intensified their LEQ12 programme, incorporating refined new foils and pushing the vessel hard. This relentless drive was impactful throughout the winter, and with the arrival of spring, anticipation soared as the new AC75 materialized.
On April 13, 2024, precisely twenty-five years since the debut of the first Luna Rossa in 1999, the hull of the Italian challenger for the America’s Cup, No.10, was launched. Once again, Miuccia Prada, Patrizio Bertelli, Marco Tronchetti Provera, Max Sirena, and Agostino Randazzo witnessed the unveiling and christening of a truly stunningly designed AC75, eliciting gasps of wonder from the gathered team, media, friends, and supporters. A reflective silver hull echoed past Luna Rossa campaigns, while the exquisite carbon deck details showcased genuine Italian craftsmanship.
At the launch, Bertelli commented: “Today’s vessel is the tenth America’s Cup hull we name ‘Luna Rossa.’ This name, significant in my life, has also become iconic in the sport of sailing globally.”
“This boat is both beautiful and revolutionary and signifies progress in design and technology, born from extraordinary collaborative effort. I commend the team at every level for their remarkable achievement. Over 25 years, I have accomplished my goal of creating an extraordinary team of technicians and sailors aimed at advancing our sport and leaving a legacy for future generations. With this new Luna Rossa, I aspire to fulfill my sporting ambition of winning the America’s Cup.”
Sirena further articulated: “Today marks the most significant milestone of our America’s Cup voyage, showcasing the outcome of three years of labor ‘in the dark.’ This Luna Rossa epitomizes an Italian challenge in design, technology, and aesthetics.”
“With only a single boat at our disposal, bold choices were imperative, pushing our development and research to extremes across all sectors, aided by the knowledge gained from the LEQ12 prototype. Luna Rossa is a vessel every Italian should take pride in, embodying our excellence and serving as an ambassador for ‘Made in Italy’ worldwide. This is our envisioned boat, potentially perfect for capturing the 37th America’s Cup. Now, the opportunity is ours.”
The team was quick to finalize their power unit selection featuring cyclors like Romano Battisti (Olympic Silver medallist in London 2012), Emanuele Liuzzi (Bronze at the World Championships in Sarasota), Bruno Rosetti (Bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics), Nicholas Brezzi (seven world championships encompassing multiple medals), Cesare Gabbia (multiple medals from world and European championships), and Luca Kirwan (presence at the 2019 U23 World Championships). Additionally, Paolo Simion joined from professional cycling, with three Giro d’Italia victories, alongside Enrico Voltolini, who completed two Olympic campaigns in the Finn and Star classes, and Mattia Camboni, an Olympic windsurfer.
The initial sail of the AC75 occurred on April 19, 2024, in Cagliari, while the team operated asymmetric foils; however, by their arrival in Barcelona, this was updated. Following their first sail on May 24, Umberto Molineris noted: “Today was crucial, and I believe it exceeded expectations. We fitted our second wing, transitioning the boat into a symmetrical setup, allowing us to enter competition mode and improve performance. On the first sailing day, we never push too hard, yet our training on a simulated course and various maneuvers proved very effective. The impressions are exceptionally positive.”
As racing commenced during the Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta and the initial Round Robins of the Louis Vuitton Cup, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli emerged as the frontrunner. In the early flights, it seemed only Emirates Team New Zealand could compete with the Italians on speed, agility, and sheer force.
They led the Challenger standings at the conclusion of Round Robin 1, but near the end of Round Robin 2, they faced their first Challenger setback against INEOS Britannia in challenging conditions. A breakdown on the final day resulted in a default loss against Alinghi Red Bull Racing, leading to a deadlock atop the rankings between the British and Italians. In calmer winds, the British triumphed, earning the right to select their semi-final opponent.
The British chose the Swiss, leaving Luna Rossa to compete against NYYC American Magic for a place in the Louis Vuitton Cup Final. An immediate streak of four race victories brought Luna Rossa to the brink of success, yet a resurgence from the Americans in less favorable conditions narrowed the score to 4-2. A dramatic mainsail traveler failure in race seven gifted them another loss, narrowing the standings to 4-3 as the shore team prepared for a night of meticulous work before the upcoming decisive race.
As fit for a ‘champion team,’ as Jimmy Spithill dubbed them, Luna Rossa responded vigorously, securing another grueling race victory to eliminate the Americans and advance to the Louis Vuitton Cup Final.
Spithill expressed pride in his team’s accomplishments: “The shore team’s efforts were remarkable considering what transpired yesterday; a lesser squad might have faltered, which I’ve witnessed in the past.
“This marks my eighth consecutive campaign, and you inevitably encounter critical moments during a campaign that reveal your capabilities; I particularly felt that yesterday reflected that for the entire team. We required a response, and the shore crew took charge, laboring all night to ready our vessel for race day and ultimately achieving victory. Right before you go out, there’s intrinsic motivation, but witnessing our team’s spirit is truly powerful.”
With the Louis Vuitton Cup Final structured as a first-to-seven series, analysts struggled to differentiate between the Italians and the British. The first eight races echoed that sentiment, with the initial four days resulting in a stalemate. Luna Rossa faced a batten failure before race three and had to retire, and significant deck fairing loss followed a nosedive in Race 5. The team consistently rebounded to level the scores but faced a turning point on Wednesday, October 2, amid fluctuating easterly winds and robust sea conditions, when INEOS Britannia clinched two nail-biting victories and advanced to match point.
Nonetheless, the narrative of the Louis Vuitton Cup Final was far from over. Facing an unyielding likelihood of elimination, the Italian team knew they needed three consecutive wins in their final race, ready for a decisive moment in the competition.
INEOS Britannia gained the upper hand from the start and managed a staunch defense against a Luna Rossa team striving for a breakthrough. The final delta of 17 seconds highlighted an intensely close encounter, but Race 11 concluded the narrative, extinguishing the hopes and aspirations of the Italian nation as their team bowed out of the competition.
Iain Murray, the Race Director, commented on the Italian exit from the Louis Vuitton Cup: “Luna Rossa has relentlessly pursued excellence within the America’s Cup’s standards for a protracted period. They have held all others accountable regarding the historical significance of this contest.”
“Clearly, they’ve remained formidable contenders for high periods and have almost evolved into the America’s Cup’s gamekeeper, which I find commendable. For Luna Rossa to end their journey here likely falls short of their expectations as many viewed them as among the top favorites in this contest. I sincerely hope their enthusiasm, vibrancy, and passion continue unabated.”
Regarding Italy’s upcoming talent, Spithill, announcing his retirement from America’s Cup sailing, expressed confidence that sailing in Italy is in capable hands: “Italian sailing is in extraordinary hands. Observing the promising talents of this new generation firsthand, they are significantly more advanced than I was at their age; my time has drawn to a close, and it feels fitting, with the sport in such capable hands.”
Spithill’s belief in Italy’s rising sailing talent was convincingly demonstrated by the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Youth Team, led by Marco Gradoni, who excelled in Barcelona, winning the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup after a thrilling final against the NYYC American Magic youth squad.
Similarly, the powerful Women’s crew of the team will enter the Puig Women’s America’s Cup among the favorites for the event’s inaugural edition.
With extraordinary sailing potential emerging from Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, the future looks bright for this passionate team, supported by dedicated patrons Patrizio Bertelli and his family.
The insights acquired in Barcelona will undoubtedly strengthen the team moving forward as they relentlessly pursue their ambition to win the oldest trophy in international sports, the America’s Cup.
Forza Italia!
