LUNA ROSSA AC40 IN BARCELONA

First week of training in Barcelona for Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli on board the AC40, as the team literally "tasted" the waters of the racecourse that will host the 37th America's Cup in 2024.

In compliance with the Protocol that requires teams to train with the AC40 in the venue of the 37th America's Cup (between July and October 2023), the Italian challenger has also set foot in the Catalan city to familiarize with the stretch of water that will host next year the last of the ACWS regattas and the Youth and Women's America's Cups, as well as the actual America's Cup event.

The team plans to alternate sailing sessions between Cagliari and Barcelona (to allow the regular training and development activities on the prototype ongoing at the Cagliari base) and will stay in Spain until the end of the America's Cup World Series in Vilanova i la Geltrú, scheduled from September 14th to 17th.

For sure no one will miss the appointment on Sunday July 9th, when the Amerigo Vespucci sailing school ship of the Italian Navy, on her passage in front of Barcelona for her 2023-2025 World Tour, will navigate close to the regatta racecourse to greet Luna Rossa. The Vespucci, bound for the Canary Islands - for the third stage of her world voyage that started July 1st - will approach the Spanish coast to cross paths once again with the Italian boat and also pay homage to Spain, a country steeped in ancient and illustrious seafaring traditions.

The marine weather conditions are in line with those expected at this time of year, explains coach Hamish Willcox: «Up until today we have sailed with a sea breeze of 6-9 knots, which strengthened in the evening when a front passed. We also had a bit of rain and got acquainted with the Levante (east wind), which generates light breeze and waves, not ideal conditions for foiling; the boats are however well designed, because they are light enough to rise even with little air. We have not visited the Vilanova racecourse, but I don't think there are any major differences, weather-wise».

The waters of Barcelona, notoriously characterised by strong waves, immediately gave a tricky welcome to the crew who, on the first day of training, capsized in closing a manoeuvre: «We cooled off», jokes Checco Bruni, one of the helmsmen along with Jimmy Spithill, Marco Gradoni and Ruggero Tita. «Barcelona is a special race course, where wind and waves do not always walk hand in hand, so this type of situation is not uncommon, we have seen it happen often in the past months. It's all part of the learning curve, the important thing is not to do any damage. Compared to other teams we have sailed less on the AC40s in Barcelona, but that's why we are here: to learn and get familiar with the boat and the waves».

Regarding other competitors, Bruni says: «Thanks to the Recon Program we have seen Alinghi sailing with the big boat and they seemed very comfortable; American Magic is training with two AC40s (one of which has been modified as a LEQ12) and I was impressed by the massive organisation and the deployment of boats out there».

Being in Barcelona means preparing for the first event in September, familiarising with the marine weather conditions and, above all, getting the team, not just the sailors, acclimatised. «Starting to operate, even partially, with a simpler boat helps us to carry out the ‘test-drive’ of the base and the work in general. I think this is the right approach, doing everything next year would create a lot of stress», he concludes.

For the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli guys, arriving in Barcelona also means getting acquainted with the new base at Port Vell although for some this is nothing new, as Giulio Giovanella, logistics manager for Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, explains. «We have managed to reuse almost all the structures we had in Auckland, including the two technical tents; not only does this save time, money and minimize the environmental impact, it makes it easier for those who were with us in the past edition, because they find themselves in an environment that is familiar».

Now nearing completion, the base is located closest to the harbour entrance. «We are very happy with our choice: the base is positioned in a portion of the port that is undergoing a major redevelopment that will make it highly desirable; the nearby beach of Barceloneta is very popular and soon there will be restaurants, pedestrian areas and a large green area for public use. Also, the regatta course is right behind the breakwater so we expect a lot of people».

From the structural point of view, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli has once again (after the 2021 edition in New Zealand) relied on the Spanish Official Tent Structure Supplier AMG Event Services; for the photovoltaic panels it has turned to the Italian startup and Official Supplier i-Pergola. The interior architecture is by Prada's engineering department, «which has again carried out an extraordinary job».

Energy-optimised as well, the base covers a total area of over 4,000 square metres and includes technical areas, offices, gym, hospitality and canteen.