Seven-time World Champion sailor Francesco Bruni has joined ROCKWOOL Racing SailGP Team as Head Coach, ahead of the SailGP season opener in Dubai this weekend.

The Italian sailing icon – who arrives at the Danish team fresh from a recent America’s Cup challenge with Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli – is widely regarded as one of the most complete and experienced sailing minds in the sport.

And he steps into the SailGP coaching booth in Dubai to help ROCKWOOL Racing – led by driver Nicolai Sehested – launch a challenge for the SailGP championship’s top three.

“I’m really excited to be here, in a new role,” says Bruni, who has competed in six America’s Cups and three Olympic Games. “SailGP is a great circuit, with fantastic teams and a very high level.”

“I’ve been watching ROCKWOOL Racing from a distance, and I’ve seen big growth from the team in the last few seasons. I hope this season will be a great one for us.”

Bruni last competed in SailGP in Season 2, as part of Japan SailGP Team, before launching his most recent America’s Cup challenge with Luna Rossa, which concluded this summer. On making the transition from racing the boat to the coaching booth, he adds: “Sooner or later you get asked to be a coach. It’s my first experience, and a new role for me, I’m very excited to do it and I want to do it well.”

“The focus for me as a coach is not just about time on the boat, but also getting familiar with the team, and starting a strong relationship, not just with Nicolai, but with the whole team. I really want to be a strong part of the team, and a motivational help.”

ROCKWOOL Racing driver Sehested revealed that he is delighted to secure the signature of Bruni ahead of the new season. “Checco needs no introduction to sailing fans, and will add world-class experience to our ranks,” he explains.

“He comes with a winning pedigree and a top reputation in the sport. We believe that he can add valuable insight and advice to take us to the next level, and help us to achieve our ambition of winning SailGP.”

ROCKWOOL Racing finished in fourth place last season – just a single point off the all-important season podium spots in San Francisco. The team also finished second in the Impact League, having secured the trophy in Season 3, and Bruni – who is an ambassador for the ROCKWOOL’s sustainability partner, One Ocean Foundation, believes that next season can bring success on and off the water.

He adds: “I’m a very proud ambassador for the One Ocean Foundation, and the fact that I’m here with the Danish team, that has won the Impact League in the last few seasons, makes me very proud. I’m super excited about that aspect as well.”

Bruni formed part of the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team racing in the America’s Cup this summer, and will face off against familiar faces this weekend – including Luna Rossa co-helm Jimmy Spithill – as the Italy SailGP Team launches for the first time in Dubai.

“I think that SailGP and the America’s Cup are the two biggest sailing events in the sport, and being part of both of them is a great advantage for me. I will try to bring that experience from the America’s Cup here to SailGP, and share with the team, and I’m sure that there will be great things come from it.”

He adds: “I’m really excited to see an Italian team sailing in SailGP, a lot of the guys are good friends of mine, and I wish them the best. It’s always hard in the first season, but I think they will do well in the long-term.” And Bruni can also look forward to a homecoming event in September 2025, as ROCKWOOL hosts the ROCKWOOL Italy Sail Grand Prix in Taranto for the second time.

“Having ROCKWOOL as the Danish sponsor is a big thing. It’s a global company, so everywhere we go is like home – especially in Italy this season, where we will have the ROCKWOOL event in Taranto. It’s great to have ROCKWOOL’s support, you feel like your shoulders are very well covered.”