Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli receives the special award during the "Sailor of the Year" prizegiving
The award was presented to the full team, in recognition for its sporting results in the recent challenge for the America’s Cup.
Today, during the annual “Sailor of the Year” ceremony, the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team was presented with a special award for its victory in the PRADA Cup and its outstanding performance in the Final Match of the 36th America's Cup presented by PRADA.
The "Sailor of the Year" award, established by Alberto Acciari and organized in collaboration with the Italian Sailing Federation, is bestowed to sailors who, during the previous year, have distinguished themselves internationally with exceptional results, and who have honored Italy throughout the world.
In this occasion not only did the Italian team prove its sporting value in winning the challenger regattas in Auckland and with an exceptional performance in the Americas' Cup Final Match against the New Zealanders, but also managed to enhance and showcase Italy’s excellence for the technology applied to this sport.
Giovanni Malagò, President of CONI, Francesco Ettore, Presidente of Italian Sailing Federation, and Vito Cozzoli, Presidente and CEO of Sport Salute S.p.A, presented the award to Max Sirena, Skipper and Team Director, during the ceremony that took place in Rome in the afternoon, in the presence of numerous sailing world champions.
In addition, Francesco Ettorre awarded Max Sirena, representing the whole team, with a special prize for the great sailing achievement, showing how Italy can excel worldwide. The prize was awarded with the following statement: "To Luna Rossa, for having allowed all of Italy to live a dream, kindling the country with the excitement that only a great enterprise can achieve. The Italian Sailing Federation (FIV) is proud of this result, that has proved Italy’s excellence at a global level. Our heartfelt thank you to Patrizio Bertelli and the entire Luna Rossa team for the passion and emotions you have allowed us to share with you."
In expressing his thanks, Max Sirena also sent his warmest good luck wishes to the Italian sailing team as it prepares to leave for the Olympic Games in Tokyo. He also sent an appeal to the press and the sporting community, encouraging them to support the Olympic team in its dream, which is also a collective dream.