Induction Class of 2012

Patrizio Bertelli

Italy

1946 -

Patrizio Bertelli (b. 1946) has been sailing and racing yachts his whole life. With a passion for the America’s Cup, in 1997 he founded the Italian team, known as the Luna Rossa Challenge. Bertelli's Luna Rossa team is one of the most dedicated; no other Italian syndicate has ever challenged more than twice. The Luna Rossa Challenge has endeared itself to the Cup community by being efficient, stylish, and always competitive, and consequently doing a huge amount to build on the massive popular following of the America’s Cup in Italy. This team has challenged for the America's Cup four times; their first challenge in Auckland, New Zealand in 2000 saw them advance in the Challenger Selection Series to win the Louis Vuitton Cup with a record of 38 wins over 49 races and secure their victory in an exciting 9-race Final Series. Luna Rossa challenged again in 2003 and 2007 making it to the Louis Vuitton Cup semi finals and finals respectively. Luna Rossa is a challenger for the 34th America’s Cup with a young international crew to tackle the new multi-hull world. Patrizio Bertelli recently announced that, challenger or defender after the 34 th America’s Cup in San Francisco 2013 he will be back again with Luna Rossa. Patrizio Bertelli is the CEO of the Prada Group.