The third challenge in the history of an Italian team to win the America's Cup was initially scheduled for 6-15 March in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand. However, due to the Covid-19 emergency, the final has been postponed until after 10 March. Only twice before, in the history of the competition, has an Italian team had the chance to compete in the America's Cup final: in 1992 with the legendary Moro di Venezia, led by Raul Gardini and with Paul Cayard at the helm, and in 2002, with the first Luna Rossa, skippered by Francesco De Angelis. This important milestone has been achieved through passion and high-intensity training, but also thanks to the support of a formidable technological base rooted in the creative and engineering skills that are inseparable from the perception of Italian identity recognised around the world. To be both Official Timekeeper and leading Italian brand in the queen of regattas supporting an Italian team is an honour and a privilege for Panerai. Working with Max Sirena and the entire Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli sailing team has enabled Panerai to create a collection of exceptional performance watches inspired by the technologies and materials used in the America's Cup, such as Carbotech, which is based on carbon fibre and is known to have been used to build Luna Rossa's monohull AC755. This collaboration is not just about creating high-performance watches, but is rooted in technical innovation, Italian excellence and a love of the sea and adventure, values that have always been associated with Panerai and are also shared by Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. Looking at the two-month interval between the America's Cup World Series races in December and the Prada Cup, the technical improvement of the Italian team is clear, achieved by concentrating and keeping their heads down, progressing throughout and testing new strategies at sea. While the challengers sought maximum speed, Luna Rossa focused consistently on improving transitions, manoeuvrability and combativeness from the start. In an interview with Max Sirena, the Team Director shared his deep happiness saying that he is proud not only for the results of the race, but also because the team has received the support of everyone involved in the project. Now Max and the rest of the team are focused on the next chapter of the regatta and will not lose their enthusiasm. They will maintain the pace without letting their guard down. Quoting the words of skipper Checco Bruni a few days ago, "Italians are Coming!"
