Now it's official: the German team will be back in the next battle for the world's most coveted sailing trophy. This was announced by syndicate boss Michael Scheeren. Euphoria in Germany, horror in Italy. After ten years and three campaigns, Prada ends its America's Cup involvement.
After Desafio Español, Team Shosholoza, Tema Origin, Team New Zealand and the defending champion Alinghi, Team Germany has now also registered for the 33rd America's Cup. With the early registration and the already announced signing of the new skipper Karol Jablonski, the German syndicate is setting an exclamation mark for a successful participation in Valencia in 2009. Sufficient time is now available to prepare professionally for this major challenge.
"This is great - great for Germany and great for the sport of sailing," said an enthusiastic Rolf Bähr, President of the German Sailing Association. "The sport already made a lot of new friends at the last America's Cup," continues Bähr. Michael Scheeren agrees: "With the first German campaign, we have made a commitment to German sailing. We want to continue to fulfil this in the future."
While planning for 2009 is already underway in Germany, Prada announces its withdrawal from the race for the 156-year-old trophy.
"With three participations in the last ten years, we had a very interesting time with many challenges. It was an unforgettable experience from both a sporting and a human point of view. I hope that another team will be able to represent Italy at the top of the America's Cup in the next edition," said team owner and Prada boss Patrizio Bertelli.
The decision to participate again was carefully analysed. But despite having the financial resources and personnel available, Bertelli explained: "We have come full circle."
The Prada Challenge (Luna Rossa) syndicate, founded in 1997, won the Louis Vuitton Cup in 2000. The following America's Cup against New Zealand was lost 5-0 without a chance. After a less successful campaign in 2003, Prada reached the final of the Louis Vuitton Cup that year, but lost 5-0 to Team New Zealand.
