If uncertainty, an unlevel playing field and being an underdog appeals to you, America's Cup might be your sport. The competition's unusual rules and unfair terms have been carried forward since the first race around the Isle of Wight in England in 1851. Its long history makes America's Cup the world's oldest sports trophy.
The regatta continues to attract teams that race against every other team in the competition. Teams compete in America's Cup World Series for the Challenger of Record title and a chance to overthrow the Defender. However, the reigning champion has the upper hand in the final match race- the Defender gets to choose the route.
There are also no set dates or time frames for races; the World Series can take up to three to four years leading up to the final race.
Despite the unique circumstances and the many unknowns that come with taking part in the regatta, top teams worldwide continue to race for this coveted title.
Currently, the 37th America's Cup race is set for Barcelona in 2024, with the Emirates Team New Zealand defending its title against Ineos Britannia.
Numerous yacht clubs have been able to send teams to challenge the title over the years. At the 36th America's Cup, Italian team Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, also sponsored by watch brand Panerai, became the Challenger of Record, though ultimately unsuccessful in overhauling the defending New Zealanders.
In a competition that requires both physical stamina and a clever orchestration of strategy, Luna Rossa team director Max Sirena shares how the team copes with the challenges of America's Cup and the commitment and grit that goes on into the catamaran race.
What are the physical demands sailors experience during America's Cup?
Physical characteristics depend a lot on the type of boat you race on and your role on board. However, one element necessary for the America's Cup, as in other disciplines at a competitive level, is the dedication to work and fatigue to improve every day. The only way to do this is to compete with the best to raise the bar each time and to have increasingly ambitious goals.
How much time do you spend training on water versus training on land?
The America's Cup sailor carries out his training activities at sea and ashore but not only at a physical level because he is also required to do research and development work alongside the designers in validating concepts and ideas to create the best performing boat.
Do team members with different roles train differently?
The type of training depends a lot on the role you play aboard the boat. The grinders or cyclists who provide the energy on board have a more fatigue role; therefore, the training is aimed at strengthening- long workouts on the bike or the grinder, alternating with pure weight training in the gym. Helmsman, mainsail and foil trimmers do workouts to improve reflexes and attention span.
What would you say is the most physically demanding aspect of racing?
The entire America's Cup campaign, which lasts an average of three to four years, is physically demanding. However, the final part, the racing, is the most fun.
How do you and the team mentally prepare for each race?
As in other sports, in the America's Cup each race is analysed in detail and prepared according to the opponent with whom you will be confronted. So you make a strategy, especially in the pre-start, knowing every strong and weak point of your opponent. Another aspect that we analyse to keep us mentally prepared is the weather. With boats that go so fast, it is important not to make a mistake in choosing which side of the race course you want to go because if you get the forecast wrong, you go very quickly to the wrong side.
Panerai launched the new Submersible QuarantaQuattro Luna Rossa watch this year. What input did you and the team have on refining design and functions for better wear during racing?
The countdown [function] is the most important when doing a regatta, and it is probably used much less in daily life.
The desire of Panerai and Luna Rossa has always been to tell stories that generate emotions. When you wear a Panerai, you feel emotions created by its unique design, which is improved with each new model. Another aspect to which both Luna Rossa and Panerai are constantly attentive is sustainability because our office is the sea.
Also see: Freediver Fred Buyle embraces ocean photography and conservation one breath at a time