What’s the oldest international competition operating in any sport? It’s nothing to do with football, cricket, rugby, or motorsport. Instead, it’s the America’s Cup yacht race, which was first held in 1851. A bit like Wimbledon or the Monaco Grand Prix, this is a seriously prestigious tournament (or regatta, to use its proper name). Arguably even more so, as it only happens every few years.
Tudor x Alinghi Red Bull Racing. Credit - Tudor
As a result, the world’s most prestigious brands are queuing up to be associated with it: names such as Louis Vuitton, Red Bull, Prada, and Omega. Each team also has its watch partner, although conspicuously Rolex doesn’t take part – so you won’t find a Yacht Master at the America’s Cup. You will, however, find Tudor - which has partnered with the Alinghi yacht to create an absolutely stunning special edition. And recently welcomed David Beckham to visit its base.
Pelagos FXD "Alinghi Red Bull Racing Edition". Credit - Tudor
WatchGecko 400 Italian Rubber Divers Reversible Watch Strap - Navy Blue - Brushed Buckle
The sport it has most in common with is Formula 1, in terms of technology, aerodynamics (which in this case, translate as fluid dynamics) and sheer unalloyed expense: in fact, many Formula 1 designers (including Red Bull’s genius Adrian Newey, who shocked the racing world by handing in his notice recently) have attempted to pen an America’s Cup yacht. Well, we call them yachts, but in actual fact these vessels have about as much in common with a conventional boat as a Mini does with a Le Mans car. They don’t even float on water most of the time; instead, they ‘fly’ on two foils that lift the entire keel into the air, skating along at impossible speeds like a demented all-carbon water skier. Want to know how fast? They probably won’t tell you, as every single technical secret is guarded with the zeal of the Kremlin in the 1980s.
But look at it this way. I was recently lucky enough to be invited to take closer look at the Italian boat, which is sponsored by Prada and Formula 1 supplier Pirelli. To ‘chase’ it during the practice runs, we used a speedboat equipped with three V12, 600-horsepower, outboard motors: that’s 1800 horsepower in total (for those whose arithmetical talents are similar to mine). And we still couldn’t keep up. It’s also worth pointing out that this wasn’t even the actual real yacht they will use in the America’s Cup: just a practice yacht (which is still worth around a couple of million dollars). Safe to say, the real thing goes much faster.
Panerai PAM01565 | Luna Rossa e-Commerce Special Edition. Credit - Panerai
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As watch partners go, Switzerland has the pick of the bunch and partners with TAG Heuer, while New Zealand has Omega (also the official timekeeper), for example. The Pirelli Prada Luna Rossa team is keeping it entirely in the country, so no surprise that it’s associated with Panerai, which has a long nautical heritage. As a marketing and photo opportunity, the America’s Cup is an absolute dream for any watch company, and it’s no surprise that Panerai has released a number of limited editions to celebrate the partnership, many of which were previewed at Watches and Wonders in Geneva recently.
The crew wears the Submersible Luna Rossa; a professional diving watch that’s made of carbon fibre: just like the hull of the Luna Rossa boat. It’s also waterproof down to 300 metres, which hopefully is a feature that the crew won’t be testing. You too can buy one for that inimitably stylish Prada look, but you’ll need to be quick and have deep pockets: this watch is available in a limited edition of just 300 pieces and will set you back €11500.
