Lisa Vucetti has joined the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli women’s squad, marking a significant expansion of the Italian team’s roster ahead of the 2027 America’s Cup. The 2026 Junior 470 World Champion began training with the team’s AC40 programme in Cagliari, where she is developing the high-performance foiling skills required for the upcoming regattas, americascup.com reported.
Her recruitment follows a standout 2026 season in which Vucetti and her sailing partner, Vittorio Bonifacio, achieved a historic double by winning both the Junior 470 World Championship in Gdynia, Poland, and the Junior European Championship in Nida, Lithuania. The team’s coaching staff had monitored her performance prior to these victories, identifying her as a key prospect for their ongoing development project.
Technical Progression and Team Integration
Vucetti’s path to the America’s Cup follows a rapid ascent through the youth sailing ranks. After early success in the Optimist and 420 classes—including winning the 2024 420 European Championship in Portorož and the World Sailing Youth World Championship on Lake Garda—she transitioned to the Olympic 470 Mixed class in 2025.
According to Jacopo Plazzi Marzotto, the coordinator of the Luna Rossa Youth and Women’s programme, Vucetti’s selection was driven by her technical proficiency. "She is a technically accomplished sailor with a strong aptitude for teamwork, a quality we value highly," Plazzi Marzotto stated.
The integration process involves more than just time on the water. As reported by pressmare.it, the team’s training regimen in Cagliari combines AC40 sailing sessions with intensive simulator training and safety drills. Senior team members are actively involved in these sessions, providing mentorship to help newcomers adapt to the technologically advanced environment of the AC40 foiling monohulls.
Development for the 2027 Regattas
The arrival of new talent coincides with a broader phase of maintenance and preparation for the Italian syndicate. While the youth and women’s squads continue their AC40 training, the team’s AC75, used in the 38th America’s Cup campaign, has been moved into the shed for scheduled maintenance.
The training programme is designed to provide young sailors with as much time on the water as possible before the 2027 competitions. This strategy aims to build cohesive, high-performing crews capable of navigating the demands of the America’s Cup. Further training sessions for the youth and women’s squads are scheduled throughout the remainder of 2026 and into 2027 to ensure the teams are fully prepared for the upcoming challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the AC40 in the Luna Rossa training programme?
The AC40 is a high-performance foiling monohull used as a primary training tool. It allows the youth and women’s squads to develop the specific technical skills required for foiling, which is essential for competing in the America’s Cup environment.
How does the team choose new sailors for the squad?
The coaching staff scouts talent from various international youth sailing classes, such as the 470 and 420. They prioritize candidates who demonstrate both individual technical excellence and a strong aptitude for teamwork, as noted by team coordinator Jacopo Plazzi Marzotto.
When will the Luna Rossa AC75 return to the water?
The AC75 is currently undergoing a period of maintenance. The team plans to return it to the water once the necessary technical upgrades and checks are complete, according to pressmare.it.
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