Cagliari inaugurates the "new" Luna Rossa: crowds and reporters from all over the world

In Cagliari press, TV and websites from all over the world for the launch of Luna Rossa, the Prada Pirelli team's boat.

For the occasion, top managers, sailing big names, authorities and a crowd of enthusiasts were present at the Ichnusa Pier .

AC75 is the name of the hull that will try to bring the America's Cup of sailing to Italy, the oldest sporting trophy in the world.

Just before 1.30pm, the blessing of Bishop Giuseppe Baturi and the actual launch, with godmother Miuccia Prada , accompanied by patron Patrizio Bertelli , and the fateful phrase "I baptize you Luna Rossa", before the traditional breaking of the bottle.

For the AC75 a very tapered hull, a silver body and, in addition to the silver, the gray and red colours, together with the yellow of the two wings, designed to "fly" on the water.

«Today is an emotional day. I don't want to exaggerate, but it's like the birth of a child", said Max Sirena , team manager and skipper. Adding: «It's time for a change of pace. Beautiful and important day for the team: an important dream for all of us. Thanks also to Cagliari. This boat is exceptional, not only for its aesthetics: every detail has been taken care of to the maximum".

Also at the ceremony was the president of the Sardinia Region Alessandra Todde : «Luna Rossa is an important presence . This is also the opportunity to set up a new season of programming so that its impact can have positive repercussions for the entire Sardinian territory. We want – added the governor – to position ourselves not in a tactical way, exploiting the commercial of a major event, but to work and plan this presence to ensure that there can be not only major events of this kind in the future, but that a structural context for sport and tourism on this island ".

Then there was Fabio Aru , winner of the Vuelta in Spain, one stage at the Tour and three at the Giro d'Italia: «I got to know Luna Rossa a few years ago from the inside thanks to Max Sirena and Checco Bruni . A world to discover, I couldn't miss such an important day today. It is the launching of a boat that represents a nation: we are all with them."

(Unioneonline/lf)