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An agreement reached in New York could mark a historic turning point in the management and organization of the America’s Cup. The America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) was officially ratified on October 15, laying the foundations for a future in which the teams will no longer be just competitors but co-custodians of the most prestigious event in international sailing.
New governance
Until now, the America’s Cup has always followed a model in which the Defender controlled most aspects of the event’s structure, including the protocol, calendar, and commercial rights. With the creation of the ACP, this paradigm changes radically.
From now on, each team will have a seat on the partnership’s governance board, with voting rights proportional to their level of participation in the event. The board will appoint an independent management team responsible for overseeing the commercial, media, technical development, and innovation aspects. Finally, the America’s Cup – including all related races – will no longer be held every four years as it was until 1987 (with subsequent variations), but every two years, to ensure greater stability in planning, investment, and continuity. The ACP will become operational on November 1, 2025. In short, from now on we’ll no longer witness a “one-off event” reshaped each time, but a “long-term project” in which the teams are true partners and co-contributors to the growth and value of the America’s Cup.
America’s Cup 2027: Italy at the heart of change
The agreement signed in New York for the edition to be held in Naples in 2027 also directly involves Italian interests. The management of the site near Bagnoli and of the preliminary events will be under the supervision of the ACP, which will need to work closely with local Italian authorities. Italian teams, including Luna Rossa Pirelli—already a challenger—and possibly Alinghi, depending on the official decision regarding its participation, will have the chance to actively contribute to the event’s governance rather than being mere participants.
We expect a major turning point from the America’s Cup Partnership, which, for the first time in 147 years, promises teams that are not only rivals but also joint guardians of this extraordinary regatta. The challenge won’t be easy—it will be a path filled with risks and uncertainties to overcome: from ensuring transparent governance to balancing divergent interests, adapting the competition protocol, and meeting the tight registration deadline of October 31, 2025. For the great “people” of the America’s Cup—those who watch the races holding their breath and can recognize the sound of the wind before seeing the sails fill—the birth of the America’s Cup Partnership is not just an agreement among teams. It’s a promise. The promise of endless emotion.
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]]>It’s official: Italy, and more precisely the city of Naples, will host the 38th edition of the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup.
For the first time in history, both the Louis Vuitton Cup and the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Match will take place in Italy—a country with one of the richest and most fascinating traditions in the America’s Cup. In 2027, the eyes of the world will turn to Italy, and especially to the city of Naples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest cities in Europe. Naples will be the host city for the most renowned international sailing trophy.
The competition for the 38th Louis Vuitton America’s Cup will unfold in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, along the coastline of this vibrant city, known for its proud and rich cultural heritage. Italy and Naples will offer a unique experience for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, further elevating the myth, passion, rivalry, and innovation that define this prestigious event.
It was none other than the Defender of the America’s Cup, Team New Zealand, who made the announcement—through CEO Grant Dalton—officially naming Naples as the host city, selected after a highly competitive bidding process.
“I couldn’t be more excited to announce Naples, Italy as the Host Venue of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup. There is a raw spirit and absolute pride in Italy that seems so appropriate to have the next America’s Cup here. By bringing the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup to this country, it feels like we are bringing it to the people, in our ambition to continually grow the audience of the America’s Cup and sport of sailing.
Italians are the most passionate and engaged America’s Cup audience and obviously it is the home of Luna Rossa who are such an amazing team and strong competitor. So, from the Defender’s position it certainly feels like we are entering the lion’s den competitively, but from an event perspective it feels like the perfect venue to host the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup”.
“Italy has long been one of Team New Zealand’s fiercest and most passionate rivals in the America’s Cup, and we are thrilled to see Naples, Italy named as the Host Venue for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Match – said Commodore David Blakey of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron – Bringing the Cup back to Europe—into the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant sailing communities—not only honours the rich history of the event but also creates an incredible opportunity to showcase New Zealand sailing and innovation on a global stage. Naples, Italy promises to be a spectacular setting for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, as well as the Youth and Women’s regattas. We are proud to be defending the Cup there in 2027. Our Squadron members had an unforgettable experience travelling to Europe for the latest America’s Cup, and we look forward to delivering even more exclusive experiences and support opportunities in Naples, Italy”.
Naples has played host to America’s Cup action in 2012 & 2013 in the lead up to the 34th America’s Cup, hosting two America’s Cup World Series events which local event officials estimated more than one million people turned up to watch the racing from the Naples waterfront over the week-long event.
The bid for Italy and particularly Naples bought a clear ambition to leverage the America’s Cup as a means to modernise the city’s infrastructure while honouring its history and providing the spectacle of AC75 America’s Cup racing for the people of Italy.
“The choice of Italy, and Naples in particular, as venue of the 38th edition of the America’s Cup represents a tremendous opportunity for the entire country to enhance the value of its territory, to boost tourism, and to promote sports. Our commitment will be also to promote initiatives, projects and measures for sea education and economy – says Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi – The awarding of this edition is a great success. A team victory and I thank President Meloni, who from the very beginning recognized the deep meaning of bringing such an important international event to Italy, having a great sport, social, touristic and industrial impact.
The major investment, organizational capabilities, and fulfilment of all necessary requirements testify to the preparation, expertise, and professionalism of a team that—working in concert with the Government, and led by Sport e Salute as the implementing body—has shown it has everything it takes to meet the expectations of all stakeholders, the rights holder of the competition, Team New Zealand, the winner of the last edition.
Hosting the America’s Cup in Naples also represents a strategic opportunity to accelerate the environmental rehabilitation and urban regeneration program of Bagnoli, the area that will host the teams’ bases.
All this will unfold in a unique and captivating setting, rich in contents and suggestions, a first time for our nation, one that will make all Italians proud and surely leave the rest of the world breathless”.
“Hosting the 38th America’s Cup in Naples represents an extraordinary international showcase for the beauty and history of our territory – says Gaetano Manfredi, Mayor of Naples – We have worked diligently on this bid over the recent months in close collaboration with the Government, successfully prevailing over other competing cities. This achievement will generate a substantial economic impact on our territory, as experienced by previous host cities such as Barcelona and Valencia. The event is set to be the most significant sporting occasion ever hosted by Naples, transforming the city’s iconic Gulf into a stage for spectacular races among the world’s elite sailing teams.
An opportunity to show the world not only the beauty of our landscape, but also the city’s ability to competently address the great challenges of the present. The races will take place in the waters between Castel dell’Ovo and Posillipo, while the team bases will be established in Bagnoli – a strategic area where the Government has decided to invest decisively, with the goal of finally returning it to the city and its citizens.
The complex work of environmental remediation and redevelopment in Bagnoli is already underway and progressing according to plan. The America’s Cup will serve as a powerful accelerator for tourism, the maritime economy, local entrepreneurship, and the development of new skills, providing a tangible preview of what this area can become upon completion of its urban regeneration.
I would like to thank the Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, the Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi, and all the institutional and technical stakeholders involved for the trust placed in our city. Naples is ready and will continue to demonstrate its ability to deliver concrete results”.
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]]>Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli remains undefeated after the opening Round Robin
A very important milestone has just been reached at the Louis Vuitton Cup. With the conclusion of today’s races, all the challengers for the America’s Cup have now competed against each other at least once.
Four days of intense racing have allowed us to evaluate the performance of all the teams, while also awarding crucial points for determining the semifinal participants. The four teams with the highest points will face off in a knockout format. I
n the match that ended just this afternoon, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, still undefeated, leads the standings with a one-point advantage over its closest rival: Ineos Britannia.
Alinghi Red Bull Racing‘s performance was disappointing again today, struggling to reach the performance level of the other teams. Along with the French team, Orient Express Racing Team, they are part of the group of boats that still need to close a noticeable performance gap.
Between Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, NYYC American Magic, and Ineos Britannia, the margin is really tight and, in my opinion, primarily based on the polar curves of the individual boats, meaning their ability to express VMG (Velocity Made Good) depending on wind strength.
Another entirely personal impression is that Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli might be capable of even better performances than what we’ve seen so far. On several occasions, it seemed as if they were nailing the perfect trim, and we witnessed accelerations or angles well above the norm. Is Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli “pacing” itself? It’s hard to be certain, but that’s my impression, though I am clearly biased.
Of course, we are dealing with AC75s—sailboats weighing 6.5 tons and just under 22 meters long—that lift off the water on foils, eliminating water drag, and reach speeds close to 4 to 5 times the wind speed! In such a scenario, it’s easy to understand how small variations can lead to significant, or even enormous, differences in absolute speed and, of course, in VMG as well.
In today’s race, with just over 8 knots of true wind, Luna Rossa managed to fly over the water at more than 35 knots, and when Aeolus gifted us with 12 knots of wind for brief moments, it exceeded 45 knots on more than one occasion!
Now we just have to wait until next Tuesday to once again admire these magnificent boats flying over the water and battling it out in fiercely contested races, which will, by the end of the week—specifically next Sunday—result in the elimination of one of the teams.
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]]>The Barcelona Boat Show 2024 is getting ready for a special edition, quite different from usual. The occasion is the 37th America’s Cup, which will take place for the first time in the waters off the Catalan capital, precisely during the same days as the historic boat show scheduled for next October. In this context, the Barcelona Boat Show will be organized with an information format specially adapted for the occasion, utilizing the framework of the prestigious regatta to showcase to the public the advancements in the yachting sector on essential themes such as sustainability and technology. Furthermore, the Catalan show will, as always, be an opportunity to generate promotion and networking opportunities for all shipyards, as it has always done in its over 60 years of history.
Essentially, occupying the entire Port Vell where the event has always been held, the America’s Cup this year will limit the organization of the Barcelona Boat Show in its traditional format, both for logistical reasons and scheduling. However, the boat show, as a true protagonist in the promotion and dissemination of yachting and sailing sports in Spain, will stand alongside the event considered the Formula 1 of sailing, moving away from its classic commercial format to present itself in a different guise than usual, where industry companies will present their latest innovations anticipating sailing trends and progress in strategic sectors that will shape the future of the industry.
In this sense, next autumn the Barcelona Boat Show will bring together a specialized selection of yacht brands and professionals who are leading the application of design, technology, and materials towards a more innovative, efficient, and environmentally friendly boating sector, in order to spread the latest advancements in terms of clean energy propulsion and sustainable boats.
The activity of the Barcelona Boat Show within the framework of the America’s Cup, whose project and venue are still being defined, will also serve to present its new strategic plan, which will specify the objectives and a new organizational model of the event for the period 2025-2027, with the aim of promoting the growth and differentiation of the Catalan boat show in future editions.
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]]>The post Guide to the new America’s Cup AC75s: compared for the first time appeared first on Yachting News.
]]>The New AC75s, protagonists of the upcoming America’s Cup, compared for the first time
The 37th America’s Cup is approaching, and excitement is rising not only among the race challengers but also among the numerous passionate spectators who will follow the world’s most captivating nautical competition, scheduled to start from August 22nd in the waters of Barcelona. In recent days, the four teams in competition have carried our the first tests of their AC75s, which incorporate various naval engineering solutions aimed at competing for the coveted title. Let’s take a look at what it’s all about.
Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli have so far only shown a fraction of their potential, as both AC75s have been tested with legacy foils and foil arms. Alinghi Red Bull Racing, on the other hand, has already started using the new running full-span bespoke foils which clearly have had an enormous effect on performance. But as mentioned above, these are only temporary differences.
Regarding the hulls, all the teams have gone for T-section shapes at the stern run-off but only Alinghi Red Bull Racing has opted for its particular bow profile that extends full length to the stern. However, it’s in the bow area where the differences are most marked. INEOS Britannia have real volume in their in-built immediately voluminous bustle, whereas Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli have aggressively flared bow profiles back to the foil arm boxes.
The deck area is key. For anyone that has seen an overlaid flow diagram of an AC75, the biggest disturbance air passing over the yacht is at deck level and it’s here where designers and technicians have worked the hardest. The Italians of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli have opted for a beautifully contoured naked carbon approach, moulding the side pods evenly into the deck and aft off the transom. Emirates Team New Zealand does the same with a raised ellipse stern that screams aero.
On the other hand, Alinghi Red Bull Racing has special protrusions at the bow, designed to promote airflow to the jib, along with an incredibly open cockpit that creates a kind of tunnel with raised pods. INEOS Britannia, instead, appears to be somewhere in the middle of the Italians and Swiss with blended side pods streaming aft – we will know more when they officially launch in the coming days.
The biggest differences between the four yachts lie in the treatment of the bustles and skegs that run down the middle of the boat. What we see on the Swiss AC75 is almost an International Moth style of skeg whilst for the Kiwis and Italians they have a more blended, considerate approach. Specificallu, Emirates Team New Zealand’s bustle runs full length, kicking up in the final third to the transom allowing for the rudder to be hung beneath the bustle. Its angularity is marked, similar in fact to the sharpness of INEOS Britannia’s treatment although their bustle stops a few feet from the transom tip, meaning the rudder mechanics are mainly all above deck.
Lastly, the Swiss have considerable volume at the stern in their bustle with the added benefit of getting those rudder controls low and hidden. Same too for Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli whose refined bustle goes full length and again has the rudder slung off the underbelly. All the boats so far have a keel chine running off the bow with varying degrees of depth.
Another similarity between the four yachts appears to be in crew configuration with everyone so far going for the trimmer in the forward pod, followed by the helmsman and then the two cyclors in the aft. A screen on the forward pod of Alinghi Red Bull Racing confirms their aero intention whereas for the other trimmers, it’s just a very low position out of the wind that they maintain.
Same too for the cyclors of the AC75s competing in the 37th America’s Cup. They are arched into an almost time-trial position with their heads down in the ‘pain-locker’ pedalling for all they are worth – rarely do you see a cyclor look up when the boats are in motion.
In terms of sail control, we can see that all the teams have opted for trench configurations on both their jib track and mainsheet track but there’s a world of difference and new thinking going on here. Emirates Team New Zealand have innovated once again and removed all of their control componentry below the aft deck to produce a very neat dual control system that auto-varies side to side and gives them ultimate control over both skins of the mainsail. Jib systems all look to be sunken 3D controls mounted on self-tacking tracks and all the teams have been seen linking up mast rotation to the mainsheet system. Pre-sets will become defined as the teams ramp up their time on the water, making these AC75s some of the most refined and setting-repeatable boats in the world.
One of the closely guarded areas of development is the foil design. Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli have both opted at launch to keep their designs secret and complete the commissioning of their boats on legacy foils. Alinghi Red Bull Racing, however, did not have this option and what we saw at their launch was a first iteration of the long-span, low volume foils that are beautifully sculpted with almost invisible dual flaps and upturned wing tips. Designed for super-fast flight and early foiling, we’ve already seen the Swiss get airborne in just 6.5 – 7.5 knots of breeze which is an impressive performance upgrade on the first-generation boats.
INEOS Britannia revealed their boat but kept their new foils shrouded until launch. What we can certainly see is the trend for back slung foils off a slender bulb – expect this to be the norm. Now we just have to wait for the continuation of sea trials and then, finally, the much-awaited competition that will last until October.
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]]>New Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli AC75 launched
Today, hull number 10, named Luna Rossa, took to the water for the first time. It’s the foiling AC75 with which the team will compete in the 37th America’s Cup.
Beautiful in her silver livery, the new Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli undoubtedly scores her first point in design even before facing her fierce opponents, who I’m sure will be amazed by the aerodynamic features of this new flying boat.
A total of 70,000 hours of work were invested by the team of 35 boat builders to complete this masterpiece, utilizing a remarkable 3,500 square meters of carbon fiber. The new AC75 mounts a 26.5 m. mast with a soft wing composed of twin mainsails plus a headsail, for a total sail area of about 220 sq. m.
There are eight crew members on board this year: two helmsmen, two trimmers and four cyclors who will provide Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli with all the (human) power needed to perform her extra fast manueuvers.
After the traditional blessing by Monsignor Baturi, archbishop of Cagliari, Miuccia Prada broke the bottle on the vessel’s bow, christening her “Luna Rossa”.
Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Launch: the comments
“The boat we launched today is the tenth America’s Cup hull that we christen “Luna Rossa”. This name, hat has marked important milestones in my life, has also become an iconic name in sailing worldwide – says an excited Patrizio Bertelli – It is a beautiful and radical boat, that represents a step forward in terms of design and technology, born from an incredible collective effort. For this I congratulate the team at all levels for its achievement. In these 25 years I have accomplished a goal that I had set for myself a long time ago: to create a team of extraordinary technicians and sailors capable of shaping the future of sport in our country and leaving a legacy for future generations. Now, with this new Luna Rossa, I also hope to achieve my sporting ambition, to win the America’s Cup”.
“Today is the most important day of our America’s Cup campaign, we finally have before our eyes the result of three years of work ‘in the dark’ – says Max Sirena , Team Director and Skipper of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli – This Luna Rossa is an Italian challenge in terms of design, technology and aesthetics. With only one boat at our disposal, we had to make brave choices, pushing ourselves to extremes in all areas open to development and research, thanks also to the know-how acquired with the LEQ12 prototype. It has been an immense team effort, and I want to applaud every single member of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli for having masterminded a work of art that will leave its mark. Luna Rossa is a boat that all of Italy should be proud of because it incorporates so much of our country’s excellence and is an ambassador of Made in Italy all over the world. This is the boat we wanted, potentially perfect to win the 37th America’s Cup. Now it’s our turn”.
“Luna Rossa is synonymous with technological excellence, competition and finest Italian quality – states Marco Tronchetti Provera , Executive Vice President of Pirelli – It is an honor for us to have the Pirelli name alongside such a great project that stems from a passion for sailing and for the America’s Cup, a trophy that combines sporting challenge and innovation. The boat and its crew have the potential to excite us and to compete for the Cup. My personal best wishes go out to the whole team”.
“For the third consecutive edition, the Circolo della Vela Sicilia will be alongside Luna Rossa in the America’s Cup challenge. Knowing that our burgee will fly alongside the tricolor on board this incredible boat fills us with pride – adds Agostino Randazzo , President of Circolo della Vela Sicilia – Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli has once again succeeded in creating a boat that is inspiring for its beauty, shapes and futuristic concept. On behalf of the Club I congratulate Patrizio Bertelli and Max Sirena for once again thinking outside the box, and the entire team for this extraordinary achievement”.
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]]>“Your Majesty, there is no second.” Just six months to go until the America’s Cup.
The Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup begins on 22 August in Barcelona, with 6 teams competing for the oldest trophy in international sport
The Louis Vuitton America’s Cup is one of the greatest challenges in sailing. This year the event begins on 22 August, with six teams, representing New Zealand, Great Britain, Switzerland, Italy, USA and France, taking part, and from 22 August 2024 they will be competing off the Barcelona waterfront, operating from their bases in the harbours of Port Vell and Port Olimpic, competing for the oldest trophy in international sport. This year’s edition, which promises to become one of the most intense editions ever, will run until October 2024, with the main visitor focus at the America’s Cup Race Village. There will also be interactive fan zones, jumbo screens, and sponsor activities. Entrance for fans is free of charge.
America’s Cup, a complex event calendar
The official calendar begins on 22 August, with the final Preliminary Regatta running until 25 August. The Louis Vuitton Cup, which decides the single Challenger, starts with the Round Robin stages from 29 August, and culminates in the Louis Vuitton Cup Final, which ends on 5 October, or until 9 October depending on weather.
The Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Match is a 7-race series starting on 12 October, between the Defender team, Emirates Team New Zealand, and the winning Challenger. The Match could end on 18 October if one team wins 7:0 and there are no race delays, or it could go on until 27 October if reserve days are used due to weather, or if the teams are evenly matched.
Interest in the event has been fuelled in recent weeks by the activities of the Defender team, along with the challengers Alinghi Red Bull Racing, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, and INEOS Britannia, the Challenger of Record, which has the right to proceed directly to the final race match. Their announcements in recent weeks focus on the AC75 yachts, remarkable examples of marine design, with crews of eight, wide-span wings, and a performance capable of reaching speeds in excess of 50 knots. NYCC American Magic and Orient Express Racing Team have opted for later launch dates and training strategies. The Challengers will take part in a series of regattas to find the yacht that will eventually race against the New Zealand team.
New this year, the Puig Women’s America’s Cup and the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup
In addition to the senior teams in the running for the main event, Barcelona will also host the inaugural Puig Women’s America’s Cup and the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup. Both these events will feature the AC40 class, boats capable of exceeding 45 knots, totally equalised so that the focus is primarily on crew talent.
The long history of the America’s Cup
The long history of this event dates back to 1851, when the schooner “America” crossed the Atlantic from New York and competed in the Royal Yacht Squadron’s regatta around the Isle of Wight, beating the best yachts in the British fleet. In 1857 the syndicate that owned the schooner renamed the trophy the America’s Cup and donated it to the New York Yacht Club as “a challenge cup for friendly competition between foreign countries.” The trophy itself, nicknamed the “Auld Mug,” an ornate vessel that is incapable of holding liquids because it is a cylindrical vessel open at both ends, was crafted by the jeweller R&S Garrard & Co., Panton Street, London. An inscription on the vessel records the first race and celebrates the victor “America”, while the name Aurora, the yacht that was second in the 1851 regatta, is not mentioned.
American boats went on to defend the trophy successfully 24 times, from 1870 until 1980, and only in 1983 did Australia became the first ever successful challenger, defeating the New York Yacht Club and taking the Cup away from America. Consequently, Fremantle, Perth, in Western Australia, was the first venue outside the United States to host the America’s Cup, in 1987. In 1995, New Zealand’s team Black Magic won the trophy, joining the short list of winners – United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland. Britain has never won. Other challengers in the past have included Italy, France, Spain, South Africa, Germany, Japan, China, and Sweden. Emirates Team New Zealand defeated Oracle Team USA in 2017, and then successfully defended the America’s Cup in Auckland in 2021 against the Italian Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team.
There is no second
Under the rules of this competition, the oldest trophy in international sports, the winner of the competition earns the right to organise the next edition, choosing the location, the date, the rules, and the design of the boats. The colourful history of the America’s Cup includes the tale of Queen Victoria’s interest in the very first 1851 regatta, when the schooner from the United States took part in the 53-mile race around the Isle of Wight.
The Queen was watching from the royal boat “Victoria & Albert”, and asked an officer, “Are the yachts in sight?”
The signalmaster replied, “Only the America.”
“Which is second?”
“Ah, Your Majesty, there is no second.”
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]]>Orient Express Racing Team sails for the first time, America’s Cup has its sixth claimant
With the maiden sail of their beautiful French AC40 yacht, the Orient Express Racing Team base at the western end of the Port Vell became an operational sailing base the day before yesterday. The date has a very important historic value since it marks the 170th anniversary of the first running of what would become the America’s Cup back in 1851.
On August 22nd, 1851, in fact, the first race around the Isle of Wight kicked off, with the French yacht ‘America’ being fitted out at a government shipyard in Le Havre before setting sail to beat the best of the British fleet.
However, it was only 100 years later, more precisely in 1970, that the first challenge was launched under the ‘Tricolour’ flag of France by Baron Bich who, Italian by birth, made his fortune with the famous BIC ballpoint pen. Challenges from France came thick and fast through the period of the 12 Metre era, into the IACC generation and then into the catamarans. In 2021, the French chose not to enter but now they are back with an exciting, youthful and very determined challenge.
Indeed, Quentin Delapierre and Kevin Peponnet, after taking charge of their AC40, braved a glassy sea and the almost total absence of wind in a short practice session just off the beach in Barcelona. In these conditions and without becoming discouraged, Orient Express Racing Team hoisted the sails and tried to catch a few puffs to get the boat taking off, which, rising on foils, marks an important new chapter for French sailing.
After the short but fruitful training session, a beaming as much as determined Quentin Delapierre said: “We just need to take it step by step, take the days after days and just solve problems, find ideas, new ideas will be helpful, and yeah I don’t want the team to rush themselves and try to like catch the others because they are, I mean, so many sailing sessions in front of us and we just have to make it simple, be really focused on what are the essentials and yeah make it happen in Villanova with the boat in good shape and able to just race the Villanova racing.”
“A pretty good feeling actually. It’s been one and a half weeks since we received the AC40, and the team had a big push just to the commissioning and solve the little problem we had, so really good feeling today to sail the boat – added Quentin Delapierre, co-helmsman of Orient Express Racing Team – Today I was surprised, really flat water but also really light so we just managed to foil, I mean get on the foil, and with the RIB towing the yacht we were able to do it and the feeling onboard was really good but I know that in Barcelona will not be the same every day, we will have choppy waves and some swells so yeah we have to be prepared for those conditions but I’m really impressed about the autopilot I never saw something like this, the boat was really steady, and yeah really impressed.”
Led by Stephan Kandler, the Orient Express Racing Team is under no illusions just how hard it will be to be competitive at the upcoming Regatta in Vilanova i La Geltrú, but the French are renowned as being some of the best racing sailors in the world and with the current generation of talent supported by experienced heads in the team such as Franck Cammas, the learning curve will be steep but rewarding.
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Cantiere del Pardo, an iconic brand in the segment of luxury sailing and motor-powered yachts, strengthens its bond with Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli for the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona.
After the collaboration signed for the 36th edition of the America’s Cup, the renowned Italian shipyard, which is celebrating 50 years of activity in 2023, will once again be alongside the AC75 Luna Rossa with two of its renowned motor brand models: the VanDutch 48 and the Pardo Endurance 72.
To accompany an iconic vessel like Luna Rossa in the oldest sporting challenge in the world, two boats were chosen according to very specific criteria in terms of performance, reliability, comfort and design. The motor yacht segment of Cantiere del Pardo, well-known worldwide thanks to Pardo Yachts, since 2020 includes also the brand VanDutch and its range of exclusive boats.
The VanDutch 48 and the Pardo Endurance 72 embody all the Italian excellence values and represent technological innovation and the performance of both Italian brands, which have made them “ambassadors” of Made in Italy in the world.
“Renewing the partnership with Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli for the second consecutive edition of the America’s Cup is a source of great pride for us – says Gigi Servidati, Chairman of Cantiere del Pardo – Furthermore, this year, the collaboration directly involves Cantiere del Pardo with both its motor brands, VanDutch Yachts and Pardo Yachts. There is no firmer statement of the values that Cantiere del Pardo and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli share, starting from Made in Italy excellence, technological innovation and performance”.
“Cantiere del Pardo is an Italian excellence that in 50 years has built thousands of sailing and motor boats, and has contributed to the development of our country’s shipbuilding industry and its diffusion throughout the world – said Max Sirena, Team Director and Skipper of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli – We are happy to continue working with them for the 37th America’s Cup, knowing that we can count on a reliable partner with whom we share our values.”
Although different in design and purpose, the two boats have the same objective, i.e. to provide an excellent and highly advanced final product that reflects the values and great Italian shipbuilding tradition.
The VanDutch 48, one of the first models built by Cantiere del Pardo after the acquisition, is a 14.60 m high-performance luxury yacht, characterized by the unmistakable sporty lines created by Mulder Design and by powerful engines (2 x Volvo Penta -D11- 725 HP–Shaft Drive), which allow it to exceed 35 knots. Its dimensions allow easy, safe navigation in any situation, while offering plenty of space for relaxation on deck and below deck. It will be mainly used for quick transfers from the dock to the regatta course, to allow guests to experience the adrenaline of the competition safely and comfortably.
The 
Pardo Endurance 72, the flagship of the Endurance range, is a brand-new boat for the Pardo Yachts brand. After being presented at the Düsseldorf Boat Show last January, it will be launched in spring 2024 and delivered in August to the team in Barcelona. The 22-metre boat designed by Davide Leone Yacht Design (naval architecture) and Burdisso&Capponi Yachts&Design (interiors) will be used for VIP hospitality, as it satisfies – perfectly – the team’s requests in terms of habitability, comfort, sustainability and exclusivity.
The Endurance 72 boasts a hull optimized for both IPS propulsion and an eco-speed system, to increase performance while limiting fuel consumption. Guests on board will have access to refined and spacious internal and external social spaces, including a large 27 m2 equipped flybridge from which to follow the regattas in maximum comfort, with no vibrations or noise.
Absolute excellence which elevates Made in Italy to its highest expression: two realities that have found together a unique dimension in what promises to be a long-lasting partnership.
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]]>Discovering each 37th America’s Cup team
INEOS BRITANNI team
The British America’s Cup team, INEOS Britannia, launched their first test boat for the 37th America’s Cup, code-named T6, designed and built-in collaboration with Mercedes-AMG F1 Applied Science, a division of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team.
The 40-foot test boat will play a vital role in the team’s programme for the next America’s Cup in Barcelona in the summer of 2024. T6’s work will commence with an extensive testing period, primarily aimed at validating the team’s design tools and testing key componentry ahead of the design deadline to start the build of the team’s race boat.
James Allison, Chief Technical Officer of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, commented:
“We understand from our F1 experience the importance of creating the best tools for designing and engineering the vehicle. We also understand the crucial role that validation plays in improving and coming to trust those tools. T6 was designed for that purpose, and we’re all looking forward to getting to grips with the data she can provide.
“A huge thanks and congratulations to the team for getting T6 on the water, but in the Cup game we can’t rest on one’s laurels, the challenge has only just begun.”
INEOS Britannia ventured out for a fourth training day in a row at the Bay of Palma. After a tow out to the kiteboarding mecca of C’an Pastilla, the test team once again had T6 popping with ease, even with the low-horsepower J3 jib up. It’s becoming a feature of the ‘Silver Bullet’ this ease of flight and one that other teams will be analysing closely.
The Brits are on to something, and it’s awe-inspiring to watch as a couple of quick fans on the traveller equates to a fast-pop and stable flight. From there, and as the wind increased, the cunningham was much in play to control the top of the sail and de-power – only really visually noticeable as the boat came off a flight and to rest with the cunningham still wound on hard.
With flat water, Giles Scott and Leigh McMillan were tasked with driving T6 on data runs as much as the light conditions would afford. Iain Jensen and Luke Parkinson showed deft skills, once again, in the flight control department, seemingly able to hold T6 accurately through various ride height modes with consummate ease. They make the impossible look easy, and one thing’s for sure – the Brits know how to fly.
Ugo Fonollá / America’s Cup
Overall, a productive, if short, two-hour sailing session today to end what has been an excellent week for the INEOS Britannia team. Bleddyn Mon summed it up to perfection, saying: “Yeah I think we’ve had a great week. We’ve had quite a few days on the water; yes, they’ve been long days. Still, I mean, that’s what we’re all here for, and we’d much rather see the boat out on the water sailing and just learning from that, and that’s the case for us sailors and the shore guys.”
It’s a considerable effort the whole team have put in this week, and the data gathered has been exceptional. Impressive to witness the team on the water as the sailing has been top drawer. INEOS Britannia is looking like the real deal.
ALINGHI RED Bull Racing
Around the Alinghi Red Bull Racing camp, there’s an air of intensity, with the team noticeably turning up the dial on every aspect of their campaign. With the new AC40 in the shed being assembled and the apparent anticipation around that, plus some Persico 69Fs that will be used presumably for Youth & Women’s selection as other teams are doing in this cycle, the Swiss are, pardon the pun, on a roll.
Sailing out of Barcelona, the Swiss have been making strides forward on the water under the watchful eye of Sailing Team Adviser Pietro Sibello. After four weeks in the shed over Christmas to fit a new self-tacking jib system, January has been a watershed for the team on the water with a noticeable upping of the intensity and willingness to push BoatZero harder both in straight lines and through manoeuvres. The team received their first AC40 at the end of January alongside some Persico 69Fs for training and evaluation.
Arnaud Psarofaghis, one of the new breed of next-gen ambassadors for the high-octane 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona, gave a fascinating interview post the session and asked about the stability at rocket speeds; he said: “I think the faster you go, the boat gets more and more stable so when you are at the mid 44-45 knots the boat seems to be really locked in and it’s quite ‘enjoyable’ to sail the boat at this speed. It’s more in the transition zone between the upwind and downwind (where we) just get used to the boa,t and it’s the first few times that we have sailed in this breeze, so the first bear away we always take a bit of care there, but it’s been really good, so we just need to push more and more.”
Alex Carabi / America’s Cup
Clearly, that mantra of pushing “more and more” is feeding around the team. Arnaud was joined in the starboard helm position towards the end of the session by Maxime Bachelin, one of the young rising stars of what Alinghi Red Bull Racing call the ‘Driving Group.’ Maxime was pretty quickly up to speed. The recon unit was impressed with his speed and willingness to dive into foiling manoeuvres.
A big day in terms of distance covered, with some 60 nautical miles logged for the analyst teams sucking the data to feed back into the simulations in the design office and with a drone in the sky looking at sail shapes; all round it was a highly productive, near five-hour session in sunny, almost spring-like, Barcelona.
The Swiss rocketship took off today. All credit to the sailing team.
NYYC AMERICAN MAGIC Team
American Magic brings together two highly successful racing programs with one of the top yacht clubs in the world, united by a campaign to win back the Cup, reconneamct the American sailing base with the premier event in the sport and elevate the quality of competitive sailing in the United States. Formed in October 2017 by Bella Mente Racing, Quantum Racing and the New York Yacht Club, American Magic represents a joint vision to win the America’s Cup, the highest prize in sailing and the oldest trophy in international sports. American Magic is a nod to the New York Yacht Club’s storied America’s Cup history; a combination of the boat the trophy is named for and the first boat to defend it.
Paul Goodison, the skipper alongside Riley Gibbs today, had a tinge of sadness about the de-commissioning of Patriot, saying: “Yesterday we had some full-on fliying with up to 25 knots (of wind) and over 50+knots of speed in every bear-away to then going outside and having a seaway the biggest we’ve sailed Patriot in today – so a lot of challenging conditions and it’s been great to see how everybody in the team rise to the challenge. We’ve had two fantastic days sailing to finish Patriot here in Pensacola.”
Goodison, a technically brilliant sailor of the foiling generation, explained what the team faced today when he said: “It’s just full on. When the waves are so big it’s hard to keep the foil in the water and the hull out of the water just with the way the whole thing shapes up – obviously one tack’s a little bit easier than the other, on port we had real issues as soon as the hull touches down the foil’s out of the water or you have to accept a little bit of heel and then the boat’s out of whack and then to being on starboard the boat’s obviously a little bit more settled because you have a bit more margin to keep the bulb in the water and the hull out of the water so really tricky conditions but fantastic learning again.”
The team will be taking delivery of their AC40s in the coming weeks, and Patriot will be dismantled carefully by the shore team to inspect everything. One of the most famous yachts in recent America’s Cup history will be fondly remembered. Farewell Patriot.
LUNA ROSSA Prada Pirelli Team
In an America’s Cup team, each person, and each division, plays a vital role in the success of the campaign: the work of the individual, although far from the limelight, has impacts the entire Cup crusade and is interconnected to that of the others. The shore team, for example, is the beating heart of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, as boat captain Michele Cannoni, in control of this department, explains. He is a professional sailor with over 20 years of experience in international regattas. With two America’s Cup campaigns (Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli 2007 and 2021) under his belt, Cannoni coordinates the “shore team” that carries out all the modifications suggested by the sailors or designers and any repairs required at the end of a training session or a race.
Organising 35 people with different personalities and needs are not easy, nor is establishing and sticking to the timeline. Still, Cannoni can rely on his long and multifaceted experience. «Having been a professional sailor for over 20 years helps me to understand both the dynamics of a boat and the needs of the sailors and the shore team, so I believe I can help set the right pace for various departments working on the same goal». The shore team is undoubtedly the most ‘stressed’ department in terms of working hours and shifts. «It’s a beautiful job, but not an easy one», Cannoni admits; «you have little time for ‘normal’ life, but when you toast a victory, that repays you for everything. You have to have passion and a strong motivation: mine is to win the America’s Cup».
LUNA ROSSA PRADA PIRELLI’S FIRST YOUTH CAMP COMPLETED
A first successful session, packed with enthusiasm and inconsistent weather conditions
At the end of the first Youth Camp (January 30th – February 5th organised in Cagliari by Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli for sailors under 25, the outcome was highly positive, both for the 14 youths involved and for the coaches who followed them as they sailed on the 69Fs.
Committed to a demanding schedule every day, with early morning starts and long days, the young sailors attended theory lessons at the team base, gym and pool training (learning water safety techniques), and sessions at sea, alternating roles on board. Although accustomed to sporting success and podiums, there was an overall excitement and appreciation for the unique opportunity to be part of this project.
«These sailors are very young and all very good, with different skills and experience», comments Simone Salvà, coach of Youth Camp 1 (together with coordinator Jacopo Plazzi). «Not only have they proved to be technically skilled, but they are also motivated and have showed their ability to work as a team, all qualities that are of primary importance for us. Those with more experience were always ready to help those who were trying the 69F for the first time, and this is something that impressed me positively».
K-CHALLENGE Orient Express Team
The Accor hotel group has committed to K-Challenge for the 37th America’s Cup naming its Orient Express brand as the partner of the official French contender, which will be known as the Orient Express Team.
The team, led by Stéphan Kandler and Bruno Dubois and gifted French experts such as naval architect Benjamin Muyl, skipper Quentin Delapierre, head of performance Franck Cammas, and technical director Antoine Carraz, will face four other challengers at the Challenger Selection Series in September 2024.
For the first time in France’s history in the America’s Cup, the French challenge will benefit from the latest generation technology package provided by the Defender. This allows Orient Express Team to gain time and start on equal terms with its opponents. The goal is to carry the colours of Orient Express as far as possible into the competition.
Pierre Roinson, President of the SNST:
“The Orient Express Team, which will represent us at the America’s Cup – a contest of excellence – can count on the unfailing support of the more than 500 members of the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez. We are very happy to be a cornerstone of the 2024 campaign.”
Stéphan Kandler founded K-Challenge in 2001 for a previous America’s Cup campaign. He was joined in 2021 by Bruno Dubois, and since then, the partners have been committed to building a solid and talented French team.
The wider team includes:
Benjamin Muyl, Principal Designer
Antoine Carraz, Technical Director
Franck Cammas, Head of Performance and Design/Sailor Coordinator
A Sailing Team managed by Bruno Dubois, led by skipper Quentin Delapierre and coached by Thierry Douillard.
The AC75 Orient Express is planned to launch in the spring of 2024. In the meantime, the sailing team will train on an AC40. This smaller but equally powerful monohull will be utilised as the platform for the Youth and Women’s America’s Cup.
Knowledge transfer, one of the pillars of the French challenger’s DNA, will not be overshadowed by the team’s involvement and performance in the America’s Cup. On the contrary, discovering and developing sailors and selecting the integration and training of women and young people in elite competitive Sailing will remain at the heart of Orient Express Team and K-Challenge’s mission.
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