Why the collaboration between Woolmark and Luna Rossa is unique A closer look at the merino wool garments used by the Italian team for the America's Cup
The first days of September are always a bit nostalgic, summer is almost coming to an end, it's back to the office, classes at school and university begin again, holidays already seem like a distant memory and it's back to the usual routine. September, however, in the sailing world is a crucial month, especially this year, when the America's Cup races are back on the water in Barcelona. So, together with Woolmark, we flew to the heart of Catalonia, with destination La Barceloneta, having the chance to admire at close quarters the peculiar work of an Italian team that represents excellence in the world, but above all to deepen the technical partnership between the non-profit organisation that gathers together wool producers from over 30 countries and Prada. In fact, Woolmark has been supporting the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team as a Technical Partner since 2019, working closely with the Italian team to push the boundaries of wool, developing cutting-edge technical kit that the sailors wore during training.
On the contrary, today Woolmark and the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team have joined forces, also producing an innovative fabric used in the interlock cycling suit, which offers better temperature regulation and moisture management benefits, excelling in different weather conditions and intensity levels, and is specifically designed to meet the challenging conditions faced by the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team. But the kit doesn't stop at the tracksuit alone; it also includes t-shirts, hoodies, shorts, leggings, a waterproof jacket and a revolutionary ultralight windbreaker. The latter, which weighs only 60 g/m2, is completely windproof thanks to the density of the chosen weave, while the 55% Merino wool ensures superior breathability during sports performance.
In the words of John Roberts, Managing Director of The Woolmark Company, ‘this partnership not only underlines the functional superiority of Merino wool, but also reaffirms our dedication to promoting its use in high performance sports. By outfitting the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team with these specialised garments, Woolmark is redefining sportswear and demonstrating that natural fibres can excel in any condition. We are honoured that the team is sporting our logo and wish them the best of luck.’
Luck, however, did not help the team yesterday, Thursday 5 September, as they closed the file on the French boat Orient Express in no time, securing qualification for the semi-finals. As always, the Italian team confirmed to be at the highest level, putting aside the difficult days caused by rain and lightning that led to the cancellation of the races, and restarting with the usual stubbornness and solidity that has always distinguished Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. In fact, from our boat we had the unique opportunity to admire her flight, dictated by the meticulous work done on the foils and more. And although the wind wasn't particularly helpful, it didn't matter, the team led by helmsmen Checco Bruni and Jimmy Spithill chose the port side and conducted a technically perfect race, dictating the rules of the regatta. A score - that after yesterday's race - therefore counts 5 races and 5 victories, waiting to conquer the last necessary point, useful to decide the opponent, the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team has now taken off both on and off the water, thanks to sustainability and valuable research by Woolmark.
