The personnel carousel is spinning at the America's Cup. Frenchman Philippe Presti has signed with the Italian team Luna Rossa. The two-time Finn dinghy world champion was previously helmsman for Le Défi, the syndicate that is now sailing under the Chinese flag.
The move of the two-time Finn Dinghy World Champion, who only lost to Peter Gilmour at the Swedish Match Event in Split a few weeks ago, comes as a surprise. He had waited a long time until his old team was financially secure, which is now the case with the Chinese joining. But Luna Rossa clearly offers the better sporting prospects. With the prominent new signing, the Italians are now in an enormously strong position.
European Laser champion and 49er and Starboat Olympian Francesco Bruni is also growing more and more into a Cup great. A few days ago, he won his first major final at the Grade 2 Samsung Match Race - Bluerimini 2005. After twelve race wins in a row, he beat the actual number one helmsman of Luna Rossa, the Australian James Spithill (formerly One World), 3:2 and left the helmsman of Team New Zealand Kalvin Harrap, the Dane Sten Mohr and Luc Pillot (FRA), among others, behind.
