A major signing just eight months before the America’s Cup. Tudor Team Alinghi has recruited Francesco Bruni, one of the most experienced helmsmen on the circuit. A move that speaks volumes about Swiss ambitions for the 38th America’s Cup.
Alinghi makes a major signing
Tudor Team Alinghi has officially announced a top-level addition to its crew. At the end of October, the Swiss team confirmed the arrival of Francesco Bruni, 53, who leaves Luna Rossa to become skipper and helmsman of the Swiss AC75 for the next America’s Cup, to be held in Naples in 2027. The transfer, agreed with Luna Rossa, marks a turning point in Alinghi’s preparations.
A seven-time world champion across various classes, a three-time Olympian and a veteran of five America’s Cup campaigns, the Sicilian brings invaluable experience to a team determined to reclaim its place among the leaders. Bruni helmed Luna Rossa alongside Jimmy Spithill in the 2021 America’s Cup final in Auckland and again in Barcelona in 2024. More recently, he had taken on a coaching role within the Italian syndicate. His move to Alinghi will see him return to the helm.
Bertarelli puts his faith in experience
For Ernesto Bertarelli, this signing sends a strong message. Following a 2024 campaign that ended during the challenger selection series, Alinghi is determined to take the next step and compete for the title. “Francesco brings exceptional talent at the helm, as well as an energy and enthusiasm that will lift the entire team,” says the owner of the Swiss challenge.
The stakes go beyond the sailor’s individual abilities. On the AC75s, 75-foot foiling monohulls capable of exceeding 50 knots, coordination between helmsmen, trimmers and control systems is crucial. Bruni’s experience in starting manoeuvres, tactical duels and flight control will undoubtedly be a major asset.
The Sicilian will join the team in Naples, where Alinghi plans to resume training aboard BoatOne in December. This will be an essential step in integrating the new skipper and optimising the boat’s performance ahead of the first clashes in 2027.
Naples 2027: A fiercely contested America’s Cup
The 38th America’s Cup is shaping up to be particularly open. Defending champions Emirates Team New Zealand will put the trophy they won in Barcelona in 2024 on the line against an ambitious group of challengers: Italy’s Luna Rossa, Ben Ainslie’s British GB1, the French K-Challenge, American ARC Team USA, the return of the iconic Team Australia and, of course, Tudor Team Alinghi.
The competition will enter its decisive phase on 22 May 2027, with the start of the Louis Vuitton Cup. The challengers’ final must be completed by 4 July at the latest, ahead of the America’s Cup match, scheduled to begin on 10 July 2027.
The dream of a third Swiss victory
Twenty-four years after its historic victory in Auckland in 2003, followed by a second triumph in Valencia in 2007, Alinghi is dreaming of returning to its former glory. The signing of Francesco Bruni is a clear expression of that ambition. Yet even with such an accomplished helmsman on board, the challenge remains immense …
