President of the Republic meets Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team and the Italian Sailing Federation
by Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli 24 Jan 08:27 NZDT
President of the Republic meets Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team and the Italian Sailing Federation © Martina Orsini / FIV
The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, welcomed the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team and the Italian Sailing Federation (FIV) to praise their Olympic and world achievements in 2024, as well as the successes of Luna Rossa's youth and women's teams in the UniCredit Youth America's Cup and the Puig Women's America's Cup in Barcelona.
This meeting, an exceptional occasion for Italian sailing, marked the first time in nearly a century of history that it was formally received by the President of the Republic. The event was held in the Quirinale's Sala degli Specchi, in the presence of Andrea Abodi, Minister for Sport and Youth, Giovanni Malagò, President of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), and Francesco Ettorre, President of the Italian Sailing Federation.
The delegation participating from the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team was led by Skipper and Team Director Max Sirena, along with the women's and youth crews winners of their respective events in Barcelona. Attending the event were also Lorenzo Bertelli, Giulio Bertelli, and Agostino Randazzo, President of the Circolo della Vela Sicilia, the yacht club presenting Luna Rossa's challenge for the 37th America's Cup.
After the official greetings, Max Sirena expressed his gratitude to President Mattarella for the invitation, emphasizing the role of sports — and sailing in particular — as a powerful medium to convey messages of inclusion, sustainability, respect, and perseverance. "The team I am honored to lead", said the Skipper and Team Director, "is made up of women and men who work together with passion and total dedication, united by a single goal: to win the America's Cup and bring the oldest trophy in sports history to our country, offering Italy yet another reason for pride and confidence. The tricolor flag flies at the stern of Luna Rossa, and we are proud to represent our nation with a team of exceptional professionals and a boat that has become a true symbol of Made in Italy excellence worldwide".
Sirena also highlighted the team's commitment to the next generation, which, through its collaboration with the Italian Sailing Federation, contributes to the development of future champions. "The tangible example", he added, "is the presence of women and youth present in this room who have written a momentous page in sailing history by winning both events dedicated to them in Barcelona: the Puig Women's America's Cup and the UniCredit Youth America's Cup". He concluded: "These achievements are not only remarkable sporting milestones but also a source of inspiration for many young people who are drawn to this sport and its core values".
Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, stated: "On behalf of the Prada Group, I want to thank the President of the Republic for his words of support for the sailing world, which embodies the great spirit of sportsmanship that is at the heart of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli's values. The enthusiasm surrounding the recent America's Cup reminds us of the power of sports to spread positive messages. Young sailors represent the future of sailing and remind us of the urgent need to protect our vast ocean, the great blue expanse that connects us without borders".
Giovanni Malagò, President of CONI, emphasized how sailing is one of the gems of Italian sports, combining extraordinary results with values of inclusivity, respect, and sustainability. He praised the work of the Italian Sailing Federation, describing it as "a model of organizational skill, strategic vision, and dedication to youth development".
Francesco Ettorre, President of the Italian Sailing Federation, expressed deep gratitude for the warm reception and highlighted the extraordinary results achieved by Italian sailing in 2024, including 108 international podium finishes and two Olympic gold medals in Paris, won by Marta Maggetti and the crew of Ruggero Tita and Caterina Banti, along with many other significant achievements. Ettorre gave special recognition to the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team for their outstanding successes, such as the victories in the Women's and Youth America's Cups. "Sailing is much more than a sport: it's a school of life. It's at sea that we learn to challenge ourselves, to confront the power of the elements, and embrace the sense of responsibility guiding our every decision".
Caterina Banti, speaking on behalf of the athletes, emphasized how sport helps individuals overcome their limits and fosters unity.
The meeting concluded with a speech by President Sergio Mattarella, who expressed his appreciation for the central role of sailing in the Italian sports scene, stressing its positive impact in promoting universal values and its deep connection to the country's heritage. The President reiterated that this sport is not only an athletic challenge but also a vehicle for personal and collective growth. "The great success of the Federation", he stated, "lies in engaging so many young people in this sport, which is practiced at an amateur level with authentic sportsmanship, in deep harmony with nature and its elements".
Video of ceremony (in Italian only)