Luna Rossa has been unable to challenge Team New Zealand in the upcoming Match Race for the America's Cup, following a defeat against INEOS Britannia in the Louis Vuitton Cup final. The Italian team faced reliability issues and errors during the competition in Barcelona, leading to their exit from the prestigious sailing event.
Patrizio Bertelli, the team owner, acknowledged that the vessel used in the competition was likely the fastest they have ever equipped in their 24-year pursuit of the Old Mug. Despite this setback, the CEO confirmed plans to compete in the next edition of the America's Cup, with dates and locations to be determined by the event's winner. Potential years for the next competition are 2026 or 2027, with locations including Barcelona, Jeddah, Southampton, or Auckland.
In the wake of this defeat, Luna Rossa will undergo significant changes in its crew. While Francesco Bruni will remain with the team as a coach, James Spithill has announced his retirement from the team. The Australian sailing star will transition to a new role as CEO of Italy's SailGP team, with Ruggero Tita at the helm.
The SailGP series is set to begin on November 23-24, 2024, in Dubai, with several global stops planned, including Auckland, Sydney, and Los Angeles. Notably, this will mark Italy's first participation in the SailGP, adding to the excitement surrounding the upcoming events.