Sailing, Italy lands at SailGp with Tita and Spithill

Ruggero Tita two-time Olympic gold medallist with the Nacra 17 will finally be at the helm of a 'big' boat. In fact, it is his role aboard the Italian boat that will be competing in the SailGp circuit that starts this weekend in Dubai. It will be a challenging circuit with twelve boats entered and for the first time a team with an Italian flag. For sponsor Red Bull, the brand linked to the extreme.

Russell Coutts and Larry Ellison, who wanted the circuit and run it, helped and wanted a tricolour team at last, entrusting the role of conduction to James Spithill, who had won the American Cup twice with them and who was the owner of the American team that he recently gave up to found the Italian one. Jimmy Spithill is one of Red Bull's Ambassadors and the choice seems very natural. Coming off the last regatta at the helm of Luna Rossa, he had declared his intention to no longer dedicate himself to the America's Cup as a helmsman, but after ten times to start a career as a manager.

In the past there has been more than one attempt to set up an Italian team but in the end no one has ever managed to meet the entry barriers. With Tita will sail some of Luna Rossa's teammates. Giulia Fava, recent winner of the first Women's America's Cup and two-time world bronze medallist will be strategist; Andrea Tesei, a sailor with America's Cup experience will be flying controller, a strategic role in the F50 catamarans that reach speeds close to 50 knots. The grinders will be Matteo Celon and Enrico Voltolini; Kyle Langford and Alex Sinclair complete the crew. Philippe Presti will have the same role of trainer and coach he had on Luna Rossa.

Ruggero Tita said: "This regatta circuit involves the whole world. We have an extraordinarily talented group of athletes who are excited to take on this challenge. We want to make a positive first impression during the regattas at the opening of the 2025 season in Dubai this weekend." For the Italian helmsman it is an important opportunity to meet the world's strongest, some of whom he might have met had he been entrusted with the helm of Luna Rossa. Among the lunarossians involved in the SailGp is Checco Bruni, coach of the Canadian team. With 12 nations competing and 14 events on five continents, the fifth season starts this weekend with the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix.

The Red Bull Italy Sail Gp will be based at the Marina Monfalcone, near Trieste, and will make its debut in its home waters next year in Taranto, Puglia, during the Rockwool Italy Sail Grand Prix scheduled for 6-7 September 2025.