Celebrate the unveiling of Luna Rossa’s latest AC75, a milestone in nautical design and technology

Twenty-five years after the first Luna Rossa touched the waters, the Italian challenger for the America’s Cup has once again made a splash with its latest AC75, launched on April 13, 2024. Dubbed the most aesthetically pleasing boat of this cycle, its unveiling marked a significant milestone in the lead-up to the 37th edition of the America’s Cup, set to take place in Barcelona, Spain.

A Blend of Technology, Design, and Aesthetics

The newly launched AC75 boasts a retro-cool style, characterized by its silver sheen hull that gleamed under the Cagliari sun. This design is not just about looks; it’s a radical step forward in nautical engineering, optimized for the specific sea conditions expected in Barcelona. The boat features a slender bustle that runs the full length, tapering off at the bow, which is sculpted to maintain as low a profile as possible within the volume rule.

The AC75’s innovative hull form is designed to be atypical compared to its predecessors, like those from Emirates Team New Zealand and Alinghi Red Bull Racing, featuring less volume which could suggest a strategic advantage in speed and maneuverability.

Ceremonial Launch and Blessing

The ceremonial launch was a prestigious affair attended by key figures such as Miuccia Prada, Patrizio Bertelli (President of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli), and Marco Tronchetti Provera (Executive Vice President of Pirelli), along with Max Sirena (Skipper and Team Director of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli), and Agostino Randazzo (President of Circolo della Vela Sicilia).
The event captured the essence of Italian craftsmanship and sailing passion, with the boat christened “Luna Rossa” after a traditional blessing and the smashing of a champagne bottle against the bow.

Patrizio Bertelli – President of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team
«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. 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».  

Marco Tronchetti Provera – Executive Vice President of Pirelli.
«Luna Rossa is synonymous with technological excellence, competition and finest Italian quality. 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».

Technical Specifications and Crew Composition

Constructed at the Persico Marine shipyard in Nembro, over 70,000 man-hours went into building the AC75, involving a team of 40 engineers and naval architects, and 35 boat builders. The boat uses approximately 3,500 square meters of pre-preg carbon fiber and features a 26.5-meter mast with twin mainsails made of Carbon and Dyneema using 3Di North Sails technology. The crew comprises eight members, including two helmsmen, two trimmers, and four cyclors, who will maneuver this technological marvel.

Comments from the Team Leadership

Patrizio Bertelli expressed pride in the team’s achievement, noting the boat represents a significant advancement in design and technology. Max Sirena emphasized the boat’s perfection, pointing out the intense effort that went into its development from the LEQ12 prototype to the final product. The sense of national pride was palpable, with the boat described as a symbol of Italian excellence.

Marco Tronchetti Provera of Pirelli highlighted the technological excellence and the spirit of competition that Luna Rossa embodies, reflecting a deep-rooted passion for sailing and innovation.

Looking Forward

After initial testing and sea trials in Cagliari, Luna Rossa will move to Barcelona to continue training in preparation for the America’s Cup races. This AC75 is not just a boat; it’s a statement of intent from Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, reflecting a blend of artistic craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology aimed at capturing the oldest trophy in international sport – the America’s Cup.

For more information on the team and the upcoming America’s Cup events, visit America’s Cup Official Website.