Luna Rossa Challenge

Luna Rossa Challenge
Luna Rossa Challenge
Yacht Club:	Yacht Club Italiano
Established:	1999
Nation:	Italy
Team Principal:	Patrizio Bertelli
Skipper:	Francesco de Angelis
Notable Sailors:	Torben Grael
Notable Victories:	Louis Vuitton Cup; 2000
Sail Numbers:	ITA-86, ITA-94

Luna Rossa Challenge (originally named Prada Challenge) is an Italian sailboat racing syndicate, created to compete for the 2000 America's Cup

Sponsored by Prada, and beginning from 2005 also by Telecom Italia.

2000 Louis Vuitton Cup

In 2000, the team won the 2000 Louis Vuitton Cup, eventually prevailing 5-4 against AmericaOne skippered by Paul Cayard in a tightly contested final, to become the challenger against Team New Zealand for the America's Cup but were subsequently defeated 5-0 in Auckland, New Zealand.

2003 Louis Vuitton Cup

In 2003 Luna Rossa competed in the 2003 Louis Vuitton Cup but were eliminated by OneWorld in the semi-finals.

2007 Louis Vuitton Cup

In 2007 Luna Rossa Challenge competed in the 2007 Louis Vuitton Cup and qualified for the finals, after a surprise 5-1 victory over BMW Oracle Racing. On 6 June 2007 Luna Rossa Challenge was beaten in the finals of the Louis Vuitton Cup 2007 by Emirates Team New Zealand after conceding 5 defeats and recording zero wins. It was the first time that the Louis Vuitton Cup had been won with a 5-0 scoreline.

2009 to Present

In 2009 they competed in the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series and in 2010 they joined the Louis Vuitton Trophy, competing in the La Maddalena event.