America's Cup: Luna Rossa's base nears completion in Auckland
by Luna Rossa Media 11 Sep 2020 16:44 NZST
11 September 2020
Luna Rossa bases - Auckland - September 11, 2020 - 36th America's Cup © Richard Gladwell / Sail-World.com
The Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli base in Auckland which will host the team for the next few months is being completed.
The facilities, which will welcome the team in a few days and will be the AC75’s New Zealand headquarters for the next six months, are now in the final phase of completion. Built on the waterfront, within the Hobson Wharf and just a few steps from the Race Village, they cover an area of 5000 m2 and include two hangars, an office area, a shop dedicated to team merchandise. A hospitality lounge will offering a privileged view over the boatyard to watch the preparatory operations of the AC75 and all the support boats.
The project, which reflects the characteristics of the base in Cagliari, was designed to meet the needs of the team with polycarbonate walls allowing for maximum flexibility and adaptability of the interior rooms.
Particular thought has gone into energy-saving measures and environmental sustainability with the LED lighting system and a cutting-edge air conditioning system, providing maximum efficiency with considerable savings and a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.
The headquarters is equipped with an exclusive dock for the team’s fleet which will be joined in October by the new AC75, currently nearing completion at the Persico Marine shipyard in Bergamo. Boat 2 will leave for New Zealand in the first week of October aboard an Antonov 124-100, one of the biggest cargo planes in existence. After a 38-hour flight the boat will arrive in Auckland and will be ready for the first sea-trials in the Hauraki Gulf in late October.
“Within a month the whole team will be operational in Auckland, where we are looking forward to starting our sailing sessions," said Max Sirena, Skipper and Team Director.
"The Hauraki Gulf is a spectacular and unique place, a natural open-air theatre surrounded by islands and headlands, allowing supporters the opportunity to see the racing and experience the performances of these extraordinary boats from up close. The Kiwis are enthusiastic about this sport and we know they will be passionate supporters. We leave Cagliari, after three years of intensive work, but we are aware that another chapter of this adventure awaits, one that will require even more commitment and determination, in view of the ultimate goal.”