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”.
