Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli launched the Team’s 2nd boat AC75 at base in Auckland, New Zealand amongst sea of well-wishers, family and friends. With plenty of Media present, Luna Rossa Team Director Max Sirena took pride of place announcing the official start to the run for 2021 America’s Cup.
Marking 1000 plus days from initial confirmation of Luna Rossa Team as ‘Challenger of Record’ towards the defenders Team New Zealand, Sirena has pitched mighty battle navigating dearth of challenges to stand ready for pre-racing regattas which begin in December.
The Italian of 7 America’s Cup campaigns admits making it through 2020 has proved extra-ordinary in many regards- 1: cancellation of World Series 2: facilitation of building boats from new design directives amid COVID pandemic 3: time-schedules of arrival for Team and boats to NZ ahead of Challenger Series and 4: unknown of racing AC75 boats in Auckland, NZ.
Breaking down progress in stages has always been his philosophy, as Max states ‘every campaign is different, each proposes new challenges to face, with adjustments made along the way’. With seasoned experience gained in real terms, winning 2010 America’s Cup with Oracle Racing followed by joining Emirates Team NZ to take the ‘Auld Mug’ in 2017, Sirena delivers results on time, in spec and on point.
No matter if freedom of sailing rests in Sirena’s blood, there harks a certain resilience and presence of mind which speaks of conviction that when Max sets a goal, with all possible power, resources, Team and rigor results will be delivered. A fact not missed by Italy’s Patrizio Bertelli of Prada fame, when first meeting the then, 20 year old Sirena while training on the future patron of Luna Rossa, Njala.
As the story goes, Patrizio shouted words before stating ‘”You and me, either we become great friends, or I’ll have you fired by the end of the day, I have to think about it”‘.
Heading into the world’s oldest sporting event combining 170 years of historic accomplishment from the helms of Nation’s boats to the fighting battle cries of crew on board, Max with Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli embrace a new era of America’s Cup contest.
Boat designs which fly on water, hulls which shape curvatures of art, foils which tapper to skim surface and mono-hulls which promote scarcity of room for crew to maneuver each Team’s 75 foot boat across finish line. Yes, the Challenger Series Prada Cup will determine who faces America’s Cup defender Team NZ- a fight Max stays in line to win.
MXLink spoke with Max Sirena at Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli launch at base in Auckland, NZ.
Words: Sharon Cox.
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