The city’s involvement in the America’s Cup all began in 2017 in Bermuda at the end of the 35th Cup, the Luna Rossa syndicate was the first to lodge an official challenge with the winners, Emirates Team New Zealand, to become the Challenger of Record for the 36th edition. At the same time Prada became the naming and presenting partner for the event. The Cagliari-based Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team chose its long-time home city for the inaugural stage of the America's Cup World Series – the first step in their campaign to try to win the 36th America’s Cup presented by Prada for Italy. “Where else?” is the phrase that circulates around the organizers, skippers, crews, and media. People who have raced at famous yachting venues all over the world agree that Sardinia’s capital is the ideal place for sailing. Who can blame them? Perfect sailing conditions, a welcoming climate and prevailing winds, along with state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a warm welcome and engaging passion from the local people, mean that yacht racing on the Gulf of Angels are nothing short of spectacular.
The America’s Cup World Series Sardegna – Cagliari is the first of three ACWS events in 2020 leading up to the Prada Cup, a knockout competition during January and February 2021 in Auckland will determine which of the Challenger teams – Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (ITA), INEOS Team UK (GBR) and NYYC American Magic (USA) – will take on the Defender from New Zealand in the Match for the 36th America’s Cup presented by Prada in March 2021. Long before that final challenge however the four top-flight international crews will meet in Cagliari from April 23 – 26, making the Sardinian city the capital of world sailing for those four days.
The America’s Cup is the pinnacle of yachting and was first contested in 1851 – predating the modern Olympic Games by 45 years. Ever since, legendary helmsmen and sailors have campaigned for the honour of winning the Cup and earning the right to decide the conditions and the location for the next edition. Over the years the boats and the racing have become increasingly spectacular and exciting. Recent editions have generated huge interest from America’s Cup fans around the world, who – with the advent of advanced communications technology have been able to follow the action first-hand – as if they were there on the water to see it, touch it, and breathe it. Now the America’s Cup is coming to the heart of the Mediterranean and Sardinia will welcome in person thousands of visiting fans, and the city and surrounding waters will be admired by many more on TV channels around the world.
The regatta in Cagliari is all the more important because it will be the very first time the world witnesses the revolutionary foiling monohulls AC75 yachts racing together. Victory will likely go to the crew who can coax their boat into flying mode first – thereby greatly increasing their speed and manoeuvrability – and choose the right set up to keep the boat airborne longest. As well as this huge technological and sailing challenge the crews must also use their skill and expertise to choose the optimum strategy to make the most of the everchanging wind and waves. Fans will be able to watch live on the water in regulated zones around the racecourse aboard private vessels or official spectator boats leaving from the Port of Cagliari.
The black hull with red trim hangs one metre above the water, as if suspended in space, as the 26.5 metre mast seems almost to touch the blue brushed sky. The sails swell in the powerful Mistral winds. After leaving Molo Ichnusa, the 'dream boat' quickly disappears towards the skyline that stretches towards Poetto. This is the new Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team AC75 training on the waters of the Gulf of Angels. The Italian monohull is 23 metres long and five metres wide, but the foils, open like wings to a span of twelve metres. At first glance it looks like a normal boat, but when it spreads its wings it becomes a 'missile' that flies above the surface of the water at up to 90 kilometres per hour.
Cagliari reciprocates the beauty of the Luna Rossa yacht with the enchanting beauty of its coastline. Further inland there are the attractive promenade at su Siccu and the marble basilica of Our Lady of Bonaria, nearby there are Calamosca and the Poetto promenade. The partnership between city and the team grows stronger every day. It was love at first sight – or rather at the first gust of wind. The team chose Cagliari its home in 2014 and has had strategic base at the Ichnusa pier since summer 2017. After years, everything is still like the first day. At the ACWS Sardegna – Cagliari event in April, the Italian team will enjoy the home field advantage on what experts describe as “one of the most beautiful racecourses in the world”.
In the distance, while climbing to the castle of San Michele, or looking out from the Bastione of Saint Remy. More closely, during a trek to the lighthouse on the Sant’Elia promontory, or over the Sella del Diavolo (Devil’s Saddle) peak. Or directly from the old Lazzaretto, today a museum and cultural centre. From many scenic spots in the city, you will be able to watch the America's Cup World Series racing. Even if you’ve never set foot on a sailboat, the chances are you’ll have an irresistible desire to try. Certainly you will be eager to stop by in the ACWS Race Village on the seafront in via Roma – the beating heart of the Cagliari regatta. From there you will be able to see the competing boats going out and back from their team bases in the port, before and after racing, as well as following the racing on giant screens from 1400 to 1600 each race day.
The village will be open from April 23 – 26 from 10 to 19 with free admission. Each day a different team will moor its AC75 close to the race village prior to a live Dockout Show from 1100 until 1200 featuring America’s Cup experts and interviews with the competing teams. Don’t miss the chance to try the simulator where you can experience what it is like to take the helm of a virtual AC75 monohull. Also you can visit the 'Discover Sardinia' stand, and the Attitude Ocean Pavilion to find out more about the wonders of the world’s oceans and how to protect them.
