Building Strong Sailors from Within

The America’s Cup began as a test of nations. It was that beacon which promoted and measured technical prowess in the developing world. But the Deed of Gift, as brilliant as it has proven to be, was not sufficiently strong to maintain this premise:

“This Cup is donated upon the condition that it shall be preserved as a perpetual challenge Cup for friendly competition between foreign countries.”

While the boats today may carry foreign flags, most entrants now look beyond their borders to assemble their teams. The search for unique skills to compete at the highest level has kicked the legs out from under an event that had built strong sailing nations from within.

Patrizio Bertelli, who heads the Luna Rossa syndicate, wants to put the chair back on its feet.

Vasco Vascotto

Bertelli, who sees the America’s Cup as a means for each competing country to develop their sailors, is proving to be a patriot. “My future goal is to grow young Italian talents.”

To help Bertelli, he has hired Italian sailor Vasco Vascotto, winner in different classes of 25 World, 15 European and 25 National titles, has joined Team Luna Rossa, the Challenger of Record for the 36th America’s Cup in 2021.

In 2018, Vascotto will partner as tactician with helmsman Francesco Bruni on the TP52 Luna Rossa to compete in the TP52 Super Series. Both Bruni and Vascotto are in Cagliari with the team to participate in the training and observation sessions of over 40 young sailors from all over Italy, selected as possible future crew members.

This project aims to widen the team’s scope of action by involving the most qualified and promising Italian young racing sailors in Luna Rossa’s preparation to the 36th America’s Cup.

Key dates:
✔ September 28, 2017: 36th America’s Cup Protocol released
✔ November 30, 2017: AC75 Class concepts released to key stakeholders
✔ January 1, 2018: Entries for Challengers open
March 31, 2018: AC75 Class Rule published
June 30, 2018: Entries for Challengers close
August 31, 2018: Location of the America’s Cup Match and The PRADA Cup confirmed
August 31, 2018: Specific race course area confirmed
December 31, 2018: Late entries deadline
March 31, 2019: Boat 1 can be launched
2nd half of 2019: 2 x America’s Cup World Series Preliminary Events
February 1, 2020: Boat 2 can be launched
During 2020: 3 x America’s Cup World Series Preliminary Events
December 10-20, 2020: America’s Cup Christmas Race
January and February 2021: The PRADA Cup Challenger Selection Series
March 2021: The America’s Cup Match

Protocol of the 36th America’s Cup
Key Points of the Protocol
Deed of Gift