November opened with an important milestone for the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team: the return of the AC75 Luna Rossa to the Cagliari base, where it was welcomed by the shore crew and the design department. The boat — which secured third place at the 2024 America’s Cup in Barcelona — will now undergo a major upgrade program ahead of the 38th America’s Cup cycle.
Under current protocol, teams will be allowed to resume sailing their AC75s in mid-January 2026, with a maximum of 45 sailing days permitted until the end of the year. Every test day will therefore be strategically critical in the technical development race that characterizes America’s Cup preparation.
Youth and Women’s Camps Return After Historic Success
Alongside technical upgrades, Luna Rossa has relaunched its observation and training sessions for emerging Italian sailors, continuing the legacy of the highly successful Youth and Women Camps that produced the 2024 America’s Cup youth and women’s champions.
The new Camps take place in Cagliari, combining:
- Shore-based physical and simulator training
- Technical theory lessons
- Foiling sea trials aboard two AC40s, the one-design class used for the 2027 America’s Cup preliminary regattas and for the Youth and Women’s events
The first Camp was completed in November, with additional sessions scheduled throughout the winter.
A World-Class Coaching Team
The project is led by coach Jacopo Plazzi, supported by:
- Francesco “Checco” Bruni, former Luna Rossa helmsman, now in a technical and mentoring role
- Simone Salvà, expert foiling trainer
- Marco Mercuriali, rule advisor and one of the world’s best-known specialists in America’s Cup protocol
“We have begun the process of identifying the best profiles for the upcoming Youth & Women’s America’s Cups, with the aim of strengthening the women’s group and building a youth squad from scratch,” explains Plazzi.
He highlights the dual mission:
- Form a competitive mixed crew for the preliminary regattas in just a few months
- Build a long-term stable team, selecting athletes not only for talent but for teamwork and a future-oriented mindset
Foiling Skills, Match-Racing Strategy and Professional Growth
Athletes involved in the Camps develop:
- Advanced foiling handling skills
- Simulator-based technical learning
- Match-racing tactics taught by America’s Cup champions
- Familiarity with safety maneuvers and high-intensity decision-making
The continuation of this scouting and development program demonstrates Luna Rossa’s commitment not only to the America’s Cup, but also to the future of Italian competitive sailing.
With the AC75 upgrade phase beginning and the new generation of Italian sailors taking shape, Cagliari once again confirms itself as the heart of Luna Rossa’s sporting and technological project — and as one of the most important development hubs in modern foiling.
