America's Cup: What they didn't tell you about the launch of Luna Rossa
by Fabio Pozzo/La Stampa 6 Oct 2019 01:11 BST
6 October 2019
Miuccia Prada does it her way - Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli - launching AC75 - Cagliari, Sardinia - October 2, 2019 © Stefano Gattini
Leading Italian America's Cup correspondent, Fabio Pozzo, of La Stampa was at the launch of the first AC75 for Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, on Friday in Cagliari, Sardinia.
He backgrounds (auto-translated from Italian), some of the off-camera action from a launch typified by the understated elegance that has become the hallmark of the Italian fashion house.
Who has "stolen" the neck of the bottle remained intact after the blow inflicted on the pure red of Luna Rossa by Miuccia Prada? Answer: Max Sirena. The skipper and team director was quick to take over the crock, which he then handed over to a crew member, telling him to set it aside for the collection.
The blow
Miuccia Prada, at her ninth launch (the number was certified by Francesco Longanesi, the historical memory), climbed onto the trabaccolo with a pair of glasses to protect her eyes, but without gloves, usually another recommended element. He grabbed the Ferrari bottle (supplier) and pulled the shot very, very hard on the bow-bowsprit. The bottle went to pieces for everyone's relief. She, however, came down with a cut on the back of her right hand, probably caused by a shard of glass. Subsequently, he will tell those who asked him that the world of sailing is rather superstitious and that it is unlikely that he will break the bottle (badly carried). From here, the blow.
The lunch
For over 600 people, very Italian and very friendly. Like the ceremony, after all. He remembered the New Zealand atmosphere, with family and friends gathered at the base to celebrate, tricolor magazine, which means eating better and a bit more glam. On the pier, under a tensile structure (there were over 30 degrees, sun at high) the tables with tablecloths in red and white checks. Menu with figs and salami, mortadella, fried dumplings, prosciutto, parmesan. Then lasagne with pesto and mezze a tomato and basil, buffalo braid, fried octopus and squid, tomato salad. To close ice cream and fruit salad.
In shirt sleeves
The patron of Luna Rossa Patrizio Bertelli had lunch in shirt sleeves, with suspenders. This was followed by Marco Tronchetti Provera, Pirelli's CEO, also in a white shirt. Then, in the ceremony area, both wore the jacket.
To see the full version of this story click here. View the link using Google's Chrome browser, with auto-translate turned on.