America’s Cup: Checco Bruni, Alinghi’s new skipper, wants to build the strongest sailing team
Francesco “Checco” Bruni spoke to journalists today from the Circolo Nautico Posillipo in his new role as skipper and helmsman of Tudor Team Alinghi. Just over ten days after his move from Luna Rossa to the Swiss challenger was announced, the sailor from Palermo explained how the decision came about, his first impressions of his new team and the objectives of the campaign leading up to the 38th America’s Cup in Naples. He approaches the challenge with considerable motivation and a clear ambition: “My dream is to build the strongest sailing team on the water.”
The move began to take shape shortly after the preliminary regattas in Naples, when Luna Rossa vice-president Giulio Bertelli called Bruni following an initial approach from Alinghi owner Ernesto Bertarelli. “I was asked whether I might be interested in this opportunity. I thought about it for a few days, because it was not simply a choice between coaching and helming; there were many other implications.” Bruni makes no secret of the fact that returning to racing on board was a major factor. “I really enjoyed coaching, especially working with the young sailors, but this is a role I like more.” His discussions with Bertarelli also played an important part. The Alinghi owner saw in Bruni the experience and leadership gained, above all, over the last two America’s Cup campaigns with Luna Rossa.
His first week in Naples has been particularly busy, with numerous meetings also attended by Bertarelli. “There is plenty of work to do, both technically and in terms of people. I have found a very collaborative atmosphere. Everyone is willing to listen to my suggestions, even in departments outside my direct responsibilities.” Bruni considers the appointment possibly the most important of his career, not least because of the responsibility it brings. His contribution will extend beyond the helm to sporting, technical and organisational decisions. Another reason he accepted was the chance to work again with Pietro Sibello, his former Luna Rossa teammate: “It was one of the reasons I said yes, I won't hide that. Working with Pietro again means an incredible amount to me. I have enormous respect for him. He deserves a great deal and contributes so much to the team.”
While Bruni’s position as skipper is settled, neither the sailing crew nor the allocation of the helm positions has been finalised. He will work closely with Paul Goodison, a friend and highly respected sailor who has played a central role in the Swiss campaign. “We will share many decisions. I have been brought in to lead the group, but we will work together.” There are currently three candidates for the two helm positions and no seats have been assigned. “We want to build a team where anyone can step on board, on either side, without losing performance. As often happens, the boat will decide who works best in each position.” The same thinking applies to substitutes, who must be ready to replace a crew member without compromising the AC75’s performance.
Asked about his age and the emergence of younger helmsmen, Bruni responded with humour: “It’s true that young people react faster, but when you press the buttons, it’s important to press the right ones. Perhaps being a little slower gives you a better chance of pressing the right ones at the right moment.” In his view, experience remains essential, particularly on complex boats such as the AC75s.
On the technical side, Alinghi’s AC75 has arrived in Naples following modification work in Genoa. This mainly involved the composite structures, closing the cockpits previously occupied by the cyclors and revising the internal structures. Installation and integration of the onboard systems still need to be completed. The aim is to launch the boat by the end of November and begin sailing in the first week of December. Bruni wants to sail the yacht before assessing the hull’s potential. “Looking at a boat from outside, you cannot fully appreciate its strengths and weaknesses. And the performance in the last Cup may have depended on many factors, not just the boat.” The 2027 configuration will in any event be significantly different, with new foils, rudder, sails and mast.
Bruni acknowledges that Luna Rossa and Team New Zealand are currently the benchmarks based on the preliminary regattas, but believes the contest remains open. “The AC40 regattas are only a small part of the preparation. We have to aim for the very best result. We cannot start out thinking that a placing will be enough.” Inevitably, there is the prospect of facing Luna Rossa in a match race after so many years within the Italian team. “Of course, when it happens, the emotional side will be different from racing other opponents. But I feel mature enough not to be affected by psychological pressure. I am confident I can stay focused without thinking about who the opponent is.” Another benefit that Bruni, with a touch of irony, attributes to the experience he has accumulated over the years.
The new challenge also means giving up his other racing commitments. Bruni has already cancelled his planned 2027 programmes in the 52 Super Series and the RC44 circuit, with one exception: he will compete in the final RC44 event of the season in Cartagena, rather than leave his team just before its last regatta. After that, his full attention will be on the America’s Cup.
As for the reception from Italian fans, Bruni has no doubts: “The people of Naples and the Italians will certainly support Luna Rossa. Racing the America’s Cup here in Italy is everyone’s dream and it is still mine, even though I am now with Tudor Team Alinghi. What pleased me most was the incredible number of fans and friends who supported my decision. I feel Alinghi will have more supporters than before.”
Speaking of support, there was also a question about his brother Gabriele, better known as Ganga. An experienced sailor and coach of Italy’s Olympic Nacra 17 team, which won two gold medals with Tita and Banti, he is also an America’s Cup television commentator. Who will he support when Tudor Team Alinghi faces Luna Rossa? Checco smiled: “I haven’t asked him yet, but I hope blood ties still mean something.”
Giuliano Luzzatto