The youth crew composed of Marco Gradoni, Gianluigi Ugolini, Federico Colaninno and Rocco Falcone wins the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup in Barcelona, the event reserved for under-25 sailors.
Luna Rossa’s Youth team dominated the event, competing against a strong group of international crews in challenging weather and sea state, winning first the elimination rounds in fleet format (with all boats competing together) and then the final Match Race (one-on-one) against the American team.
The regattas were on One Design AC40 foiling monohulls. With all boats identical, the victory came down to the team best able to control their boat and adopt the best racing tactics on the Barcelona course, characterized by strong winds and big swells.
The Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Youth team, that also includes Guido Gallinaro and Stefano Dezulian, is the result of the New Generation program launched by Luna Rossa at the beginning of its previous campaign, with the goal of nurturing new talent. The same program has put the spotlight and supported the growth of the women’s team – which includes talented sailors Giulia Conti, Margherita Porro, Maria Giubilei, Maria Vittoria Marchesini, Alice Linussi and Giovanna Micol – all currently competing in the Puig Women’s America’s Cup in Barcelona, dedicated to female crews.