Woolmark partners with Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team in the Challenge for the America’s Cup
The Woolmark Company is the official technical partner of the America’s Cup team Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. Here’s everything you need to know.
The Woolmark Company will research, develop and support the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team to create wool-rich technical garments to be worn by the entire Luna Rossa sailing team during training, sailing and offshore activities, it was announced today at a press conference in Florence.
Now in its 36th edition, the America’s Cup is the oldest trophy in the history of sport, which sees the participation of the most technologically advanced boats in the world, so it seems only fitting that the team will be wearing the world’s original performance fibre – Merino wool. Wool is 100% natural, renewable, biodegradable and is the most reused, recycled apparel fibre on the planet. Moving away from uniforms made from synthetics fibres, the use of wool in the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team uniforms offers a natural solution with reduced environmental impact.
The Woolmark-certified Merino wool-rich Luna Rossa team and crew uniform will include: waterproof jacket, soft shell jacket, polo shirt, T-shirt, wet jacket, blouson, wetsuit and base-layers.
“The partnership between the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team and The Woolmark Company is based on a shared philosophy, inspired by innovation and technology, as well as research into new materials and social responsibility,” says Prada group head of marketing and communication Lorenzo Bertelli. “I am certain that having The Woolmark Company as technical partner will add even more prestige to the team.”
Max Sirena, team director, adds: “Our physical activity is very demanding in terms of clothing: the garments we wear must be as isothermic, elastic, breathable and water resistant as possible. Well,
I discovered on my own skin that Merino wool is all this. It really is a performance fibre, and besides that, it is also absolutely sustainable and biodegradable. I must say that our new uniforms are a wonderful surprise that makes our body – and our spirit – feel good.”
“The America’s Cup has always symbolised the best of the best – from the best boats, to the best crews and now the best fibre,” explains The Woolmark Company managing director Stuart McCullough. “It’s the first time wool will take to the seas on such a large scale and allows us – along with Australia’s 60,000 woolgrowers – to see Australian wool used in such an innovative way.”
