When you are racing across open waters at speeds closing in on 50 knots (which is just under 100kmh), you feel the crest of every wave as your vessel cuts through it. It is rough, as though the sea resents the intrusion and is ferociously trying to throw you off. By you, we mean anyone aboard the speedboat. If you are not strapped into a seat or holding on for dear life, you are likely to get lifted off your feet and dumped overboard. Holding on is exactly what I am doing as the Luna Rossa attempts to demonstrate the speeds that its foiling monohull can achieve.
Of course, the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team tells us that experiencing stomach-churning speeds on a powered vessel cannot really compare with what it feels like to sail aboard a foiling monohull. For one thing, even at the speeds we manage here off the coast of Cagliari, Italy, we would still be trailing behind the AC75 racing yacht that Luna Rossa will be fielding in the 37th America’s Cup 2024. Yes, speedboats can be outpaced by five-tonne sailing yachts, and—for some context—that is like saying a mechanical watch could be more precise than a quartz watch. This, of course, is a segue because we are here at the Luna Rossa base in Sardinia at the invitation of Panerai; the Swiss Made Italian watch brand is an official Luna Rossa sponsor.
Now, before you go accusing us of having too much Franciacorta—not to mince words about it—besides having our brains baked by the Sardinian sun, you should know that the AC75 monohulls have been known to achieve speeds in excess of 50 knots. Google it. In any case, the America’s Cup represents peak sailing, both from the perspective of sailing the monohulls and engineering them.
The legendary regatta is the Formula One of the sailing world and has been since before the motorcar was even a gleam in Karl Benz’s eye. Like the development of the automobile, the America’s Cup has quite a rich narrative and so we give it its own section. While the contemporary reality of sailing is far removed from its roots, some context is still useful. Just so you know, the America’s Cup is the world’s oldest sporting competition of any kind, with the first having taken place in 1851.
If you are in the mood to have your mind boggled by some sailing yacht facts, here's the low-down on the standard monohull hydrofoil that will be used in the coming America’s Cup. The AC75 (or America’s Cup 75 footer) is also the basis of the prototype that Luna Rossa is using, but more on that in due course. It helps to first know what in the world a hydrofoil monohull sailing yacht is, and how it manages to just glide above the waves.
The simple answer is that there are wings called hydrofoils attached to the hull, left and right, and these do what wings normally do. The tips or ends of these two wings and a rudder are the only elements that are in contact with the water when the yacht is at speed. Which makes it look for all the world like it is flying across the waves. Such a vessel should easily move at twice the prevailing wind speed, and might even go faster. This is difficult to grasp because the yacht is wind-powered after all, but it is what happens.
Here is what we have been able to glean from official sources on the technical details. The aforementioned wings are canting ballasted T-wing hydrofoils mounted on the port and starboard topside longitudinal drums; there is a centreline T-wing rudder, and no keel (source: Wikipedia).
All of the above is certainly standard fare but the America’s Cup race did not start using the hydrofoil design until 2017, and the monohull variant dates from just two years ago (2021). Team Luna Rossa itself is working on a new prototype, the LEQ 12, with the following publicly declared specifications:
This puts the LEQ 12 at an apparent disadvantage as far as top speeds go, because the AC75 has been clocked at speeds beyond 50 knots. But then of course, that is straight line speed, and the thing about sailing boats is the way they turn. Again, perhaps counterintuitively, sailing vessels can and do sail into the wind, and have been doing so since some clever sailor somewhere figured out how to angle the sails just right.
On that note, consider that the Luna Rossa team considers itself pretty clever too since it opted to create its own boat from scratch to challenge team New Zealand, the defender of the America’s Cup. The 10,000 sqm Cagliari base camp is where Luna Rossa is doing most of its development work, which is not inconsiderable. There is also a 4,000 sqm site in Barcelona, Spain, which is where the AC75 Challenger Selection Series will begin next year. In fact, Luna Rossa was one of the teams that developed the aforementioned AC75 foiling monohull standard.
Given that it predates the first Olympic Games by 45 years, the America’s Cup (also known as Auld Mug) is really the world’s oldest international sporting event. The first race was held in 1851 while the Summer Olympics began in 1896. It was originally a showdown between two yacht clubs or organisations in Great Britain and the United States, and what we call the America’s Cup today is named for the schooner that won the first race in 1851, the America.
The first defence of the America’s Cup only took place in 1870, by which time the New York Yacht Club, which was the steward of the Cup, was already under one of the most famous of the competition’s rules. That the holder of the America’s Cup is obliged to defend its right to steward Auld Mug (as it was originally called) should any qualifying club issue a challenge. This remains the case to this day. That is why the America’s Cup champion is called the Defender, while its rival is called the Challenger of Record. Until 1967, there was only one Challenger but from 1970, multiple clubs issued qualifying challenges. This was the beginning of the Challenger Selection Series. For this leg, all America’s Cup challengers competed until a victor emerged as the Challenger of Record to take on the Defender.
The race between the Challenger and Defender has evolved over time too, but the affair is still relatively stately, with the Defender and Challenger agreeing to terms prior to every challenge.
Watch collectors will be more familiar with Panerai as the military secret that equipped Italian navy divers with precision instruments than anything else. The contemporary Panerai watchmaking brand has been associated with all manner of marine activities for the better part of this century. Since 2017, Panerai has created wristwatches with the sorts of materials that America’s Cup teams were experimenting with. One might even say that Panerai’s penchant for material innovation makes it an ideal partner for a racing team such as Luna Rossa, which is precisely how team Luna Rossa describes the watchmaker.
Of course, Panerai recognises its own virtues in exploring new frontiers in watchmaking, as Ficarelli told us, citing just the example of PAM01039. The brand knows to maximise on the emotional qualities of being innovative, which points to a certain spirit of boldness. Here, we enter the realm of character. As Panerai connects the dots between past and present, it hopes to build bridges with a community of watch lovers. “Storytelling is pivotal in cementing Panerai’s legitimacy, intertwining its deep-seated maritime roots with its modern identity,” said Ficarelli. “By chronicling its journey from creating robust instruments for the Italian Navy to embracing the adrenaline of performance boating, Panerai underscores its heritage and authenticity. Each watch, steeped in historical value and innovative prowess, symbolises a continuity of tradition and a forward-looking vision, fortifying the brand’s connection with enthusiasts who value both the legacy and the ongoing maritime saga.”
Panerai had a dedicated Luna Rossa series of watches that span a number of ranges. This includes the Submersible (although the 1309 is currently unavailable). Panerai watches are typically in-demand so the availability of Luna Rossa watches should be monitored closely. Currently, our pick includes the Luminor Luna Rossa Chrono Carbotech PAM01519 and the Luminor Luna Rossa Quaranta BiTempo PAM01404. The impressively named latter watch is especially notable for its automatic P.900 GMT calibre, which has a three-day power reserve. The chronograph is powered by calibre P.9200 and is currently the only available Luna Rossa watch cases in Carbotech. This is important for this watch because it is a 44mm whopper. The GMT model is a more reasonable 40mm watch in steel. There are also two Luminor Due references worth taking note of: PAM 01378 and PAM 01381.
Just as Formula One is an expensive sport, so too is the business of the America’s Cup. It's estimated that operating the teams running up to US$200 million for each competitive run. This is evident in the Luna Rossa base camp. There are at least two simulators, two prototypes (a slightly scaled-down model that we saw and another full-size model that takes to the waves), in-house manufacturing capabilities and engineers and technicians of many stripes all working together to develop the LEQ 12 that will eventually be the Luna Rossa racing yacht. In total, there are approximately 118 people on the distinctly Italian team. That includes the Skipper and Team Director Max Sirena and Circolo Della Vela Sicilia President Patrizio Bertelli.
If there is one Panerai watch that embodies the story here, it must be the Submersible Luna Rossa PAM01039. Panerai chief marketing officer Alessandro Ficarelli explains: “(The watch) stands out due to its use of innovative materials like Carbotech (a specially developed material used by the brand), representing the brand’s adventurous spirit and its watchmaking expertise. Moreover, its aesthetic intertwines sporty resilience with elegance, including details like the incorporation of actual sail material, which symbolises a forward-thinking vision that aligns with Panerai’s maritime legacy and its future aspirations.”
Those aspirations are on show on this visit to Sardinia, which was actually part of Panerai’s now-famous experiences. The Luna Rossa vessel itself might be a very expensive closely-held secret that amateurs have no business messing with. Although there are all manner of maritime activities that can be associated with the competitive team’s preparations. Popular on this particular occasion was water-skiing. But Panerai also went the distance with a surfing experience with the brand’s ambassador, surfing champion Leonardo Fioravanti. Of course, everything will pay off nicely for Panerai should Luna Rossa be on top form during the America’s Cup. First though, whether the Luna Rossa team will become the Challenger of Record in 2024. That will be determined when the season begins in Barcelona.
Photographs courtesy of Panerai and Luna Rossa
The Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) is known to embody glamour, exclusivity and luxury in the realm of yachting from its picturesque destination and vivacious setups to unprecedented gatherings of the world’s superyachts and other luxury purveyors, it would then fair to say their offering of the Sapphire Experience could be expected to be the best-in-class of concierge service.
As a diverse (and large) crowd from across the globe gather to witness the grandest yacht show in the industry, guests of the Sapphire Experience are set up to embark on an unforgettable Experience twice from the very start of this journey. Their entrance into MYS is marked by luxury with transportation being made available at every step, from the views from the hotel to the show, Sapphire Experience guests are welcomed at the VIP entrance with Hostesses ensuring their voyage to and from the event would be as hassle-free as possible.
Amidst bustling activities and grand views at MYS, the show also provides a space where attendees can unwind. A thoughtfully designed Upper Deck lounge offers an oasis of tranquility. At the Sapphire lounge, they can enjoy a more intimate and serene space to relax. With a refreshing flow of champagne and refreshments, accompanied with pastries and snacks, this enclave offers a personalised touch with a readily available concierge that’s ready to connect guests to the greatest market experts and innovative personalities to discuss projects for a bespoke experience of one’s wildest dreams.
It also features a restaurant and lounge bar, while provisioning a perspective on private aviation and the world of fine watchmaking. Craftsmen and designers who specialise in crafting crystal furniture and refined leather accessories are also stationed and Sapphire Experience guests are granted prioritised access to engage and work with these skilled creators about accessorising their upcoming yacht and interior projects.
Stepping into the quayside Monaco, the MYS presents an extensive array of yachts and tenders that grace the dockside accompanied by exhibitions and diverse consulting platforms. To truly savour these superyachts, an onboard experience is essential. Sapphire Experience guests enjoy exclusive access to this Dockside Area, replete with superyacht owners and experts. Conversations with adept advisors, including yacht builders, designers, architects and professionals across the yachting industry, and is easily made conveniently accessible. Presenting an invaluable opportunity to intimately witness the craftsmanship inherent in these remarkable vessels, it potentially ignites inspiration for future yacht endeavours.
MYS doubles down as a platform that unites both yacht enthusiasts and industry experts, fostering an exchange of insights and discoveries surrounding forthcoming industry innovations. The dockside also hosts a Yacht Design & Innovation Hub, prioritising Sapphire Experience guests access to the many opportunities it has to offer. Nestled among the yachts along the port, it provides the space to interact with diverse yacht authorities, facilitating discussions on the latest yacht innovations. From avant-garde design concepts to having insightful conversations with industry stalwarts, participants can glean wisdom that may inspire their yachting projects.
Parallel to the dockside, MYS carves out a dedicated domain for sailing yachts, inviting them to embrace the entirety of the yachting world. Here lies a chance to immerse and familiarise one about the diverse world of yachts. Again, the Sapphire Experience ensures all qualified guests will be able to get ahold of these perks like insights and conversations with both sailing and superyacht experts.
Known among superyacht enthusiasts as “The Call”—the breath-taking moment when one’s Monaco Yacht Show Private Relations Manager calls to grant access to the Sapphire Experience, for you to design, acquire or charter your very own unique superyacht. The information mentioned earlier affirms this fact, granting them the privilege of experiencing both superyachts and sailing yachts at an intimately personal level and conversing with industry experts and skilled craftsmen required to shape or refine any present and upcoming yacht ventures. In its entirety, the Sapphire Experience encapsulates the very essence of exclusive luxury within the world of luxury yachting.
Reserved exclusively for guests with yachting projects either in mind or already underway, the Sapphire Experience offers an exceptional journey with meticulously curated exclusive conferences, workshops, cocktail gatherings and a wide array of events. MYS’ wide range of offerings extends an invitation to partake in a diverse range of activities and occasions that could be overwhelming for first-timers or seasoned show guests with laser-focus goals. Through the Sapphire experience, it provides a seamless platform to navigate through the diverse offerings, forge connections with fellow superyacht owners and seasoned industry insiders and fulfil every guest’s desire. The 2023 Monaco Yacht Show stands as the ultimate destination to delve into the world of yachting enriched with exclusivity and luxury and it’s also great place to set sail for one’s maiden concierge service voyage.
The Monaco Yacht Show is happening on 27 – 30 September 2023.
The much-awaited 2023 edition of the Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) is making a grand return to the French Riviera. It's taking place from 27 September to 30 September at Port Hercule of Monaco. MYS is a shimmering highlight of the yachting world, which aggregates the world’s most impressive superyachts and megayachts and celebrates the adventurous lifestyle and spirit of innovation that comes with yacht ownership and yacht design.
Notably, MYS has shown a steadfast commitment to sustainability, establishing its Sustainability Hub last year and renewing it this year to emphasise the international exhibitor’s dedication to environmentally friendly practices with the support of Water Revolution Foundation and Siemens Energy. The Sustainability Hub serves as a platform for yacht companies specialising in sustainable technologies to share their knowledge while aiming to reduce the environmental impact of superyachts and to promote eco-responsible practices in yachting.
MYS presents itself not only on sea but on land as well. Other than the 120 yachts and around 50 luxury tenders that will be on display, visitors will also have the opportunity to meet with leading yacht brokers, builders, naval architects and designers, should they be interested in realising their dreams of owning a luxury yacht.
In recent times, MYS has broadened its horizons to feature companies that round off a luxury yachting experience, from luxury charter outfits offering exotic destinations, to chefs and mixologists providing bespoke menus, and water sports equipment for fun activities out at sea.
Boasting 560 companies representing excellence and innovation in the yachting industry at the show, MYS completes the portfolio with other luxury markets linked to the art of superyachting, such as tech-led yachting solutions companies, luxury car and motorcycle manufacturers alongside helicopters and private jet builders. This makes MYS an ideal gathering for those who revel in adventurous and innovative pursuits.
Whether you’re an experienced yacht owner or an enthusiast new to the scene, the 2023 edition of the Monaco Yacht Show presents a most wonderful opportunity to delve into the captivating realm of luxury yachting.
The Monaco Yacht Show is happening on 27 – 30 September 2023.
