Luna Rossa hoists new colours for 38th America’s Cup

A new flag in Naples

For the first time in 176 years of America’s Cup history, the Auld Mug will be contested in Italy. In celebration of this historic home event, Luna Rossa has announced a new partnership with the Circolo del Remo e della Vela Italia (CRVI)—Naples’ oldest sailing club and one of the most prestigious institutions in Mediterranean yachting.

Founded in 1889, the club known simply as “Italia” will carry the burgee aboard Luna Rossa for the 38th America’s Cup, as the Italian challenger once again takes aim at sailing’s greatest prize.

This marks the seventh Cup campaign for Luna Rossa and a changing of the guard from the Circolo della Vela Sicilia (CVS), which has represented the team for the past three editions.

Saluting a successful partnership

Speaking about the change, Patrizio Bertelli, President of Luna Rossa, thanked CVS for its long-standing support:

“After three consecutive editions with the Circolo della Vela Sicilia, it felt natural to now be represented by a yacht club that not only holds international acclaim but also has deep ties to the city of Naples. Together with CVS, we celebrated unforgettable victories—the PRADA Cup in Auckland and the Youth and Women’s America’s Cup in Barcelona. We offer our sincere thanks and wish them every success in their future endeavours.”

- Advertisement, article continues below -

Agostino Randazzo, President of CVS, responded in kind:

“Seeing our burgee fly on Luna Rossa has been a source of great pride for us all. We are honoured to have stood alongside such an extraordinary team and will continue to support them with unwavering passion. We wish CRVI every success in their new role.”

Embracing Italian excellence

This decision to shift clubs is part of a deliberate policy by Luna Rossa’s leadership to avoid long-term ties to any one institution. Since its formation in 1997, the team has chosen to rotate representation among prominent Italian yacht clubs, promoting broader national involvement in its Cup campaigns.

Max Sirena, CEO and skipper of Luna Rossa, welcomed the new chapter:

“We are pleased to have CRVI at our side. It’s a club with rich tradition, a strong youth programme, and the organiser of the iconic Regata dei Tre Golfi. Having their burgee aboard adds heritage and local strength as we prepare to race on home waters.”

A source of pride for Naples

Roberto Mottola di Amato, President of CRVI, expressed the club’s pride and sense of responsibility:

“We are honoured to represent Luna Rossa and Italy as hosts of the first America’s Cup held in Naples. This partnership is more than symbolic—it’s a chance to inspire our young sailors and deepen our Club’s commitment to international excellence. We thank Luna Rossa for their trust and salute our friends at CVS, with whom we are twinned. We will do our utmost to live up to their legacy.”

The collaboration adds emotional weight to an already significant milestone. With the Cup coming to Naples in 2027, the union between Luna Rossa and CRVI ensures that the city’s maritime identity and competitive spirit will be front and centre, both on the water and ashore.

What it means for the 38th America’s Cup

Luna Rossa’s strategic and symbolic shift to CRVI signals more than just a change in flags. It ties the campaign directly to Naples, the host city, and reinforces the team’s broader goal of fostering a pan-Italian sailing legacy. From youth pathways to international prestige, the partnership reflects both heritage and future ambition.

For Kiwi fans, it also means that when Emirates Team New Zealand travels to defend the Cup, they’ll be doing so in a port city fiercely proud of its traditions and its challenger. As the regatta returns to Europe’s deep south, expect fireworks in the Gulf of Naples.