February 1997: one evening, in an office near the Duomo cathedral in Milan, Patrizio Bertelli and Argentinian yacht designer German Frers meet to discuss the construction of a cruising yacht.  All of a sudden German Frers asks: "What don’t we consider the America’s Cup? Let’s challenge for the America’s Cup!"

Starting from scratch, the core group is set up in a matter of 15 days, heading for a challenge that will remain in the memory of Italians and sailing enthusiasts worldwide.

It is the birth of team Luna Rossa.

Exactly three years later, in February 2000, Luna Rossa wins the Louis Vuitton Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, hereby gaining access to the final match against Black Magic.

For the first time in history an Italian skipper, Francesco de Angelis, reaches the final stage of the America’s Cup, and for the first time there is no American boat in the match.  

Although the Cup will remain in New Zealand, Luna Rossa sets an unprecedented record: 38 wins out of the 49 preliminary regattas sailed.