America’s Cup spy: a 100-meter Alinghi, Spithill’s dad, Luna Rossa “Franciscan”

you want to know all about the America’s Cup in Barcelona and what’s happening at sea, don’t miss our Trial of the Cup and all the news in our“The Cup Newspaper” section.
But if you want to know what goes on behind the scenes of the America’s Cup circus, in the hidden corners of the bases, envies and friendships among sailors, good deeds and snubs, gossip, here you are in the right place.

America’s Cup Spy

From today our correspondent in Barcelona Ida Castiglioni tells you everything that no one else tells you.
“Spy America’s Cup” is born, follow it every day!

Bertarelli’s 100-meter Alinghi

Every day Ernesto Bertarelli, patron of Alinghi, goes out to follow the races in his super motor megayacht, the all-white Vava II with a perfect design: 96.83 m long x 17.21 m wide and a draft of 4.79 m.
Paid $180 million, it has an operating cost of $18 million per year.
On board, in addition to its guests, are those of sponsors, especially Red Bull.
Built by Devenport Yachts in Britain’s Plymouth shipyard, it was delivered to the owner in March 2012. Ernesto Bertarelli’s Vava II on which the Swiss financier follows the races of his Alinghi[/] The exterior design and engineering are by the British firm RWD (Redman Whitely Dixon) while the interior is by Rémi Tessier.
Steel hull with aluminum superstructure, cruising speed 15 knots, top speed 19 knots, range 5,000 miles, 523,000 L of fuel, 96,000 L of fresh water.
On board, 22 guests in 11 suites (more than cabins) and a crew of 34 in 16 cabins.
It can carry an Airbus H145 helicopter (cost 8.5 million) for which the landing area is prepared.
The yacht has an elevator, a bathing establishment, gymnasium, SPA and beauty salon.
Here in Port Vell it is moored at the stern of Hampshire II, along the pier overlooked by the Ineos base.

The Franciscan base of Luna Rossa

The most Spartan base-as far as hospitality is concerned-is Luna Rossa’s.
A dozen or so minimal tables, two sofas, two large televisions, an essential bar.
Rectangular, mirrored underplates made of heavy aluminum in the same shade as the boat was painted. The very minimal base of Luna Rossa in Barcelona[/] They are set by a waiter in white gloves (so as not to leave fingerprints) and seem to have been chosen directly by the patron for their rigorous design.
Traditional Italian menu with a few local deviations, such as anchovies.
Pasta cooked perfectly with freshly cooked sauce.
I then chose a mozzarella, inimitable, with thin slices of tomato from which the skin had first been removed (as is wisely used here in the right places).

Spithill’s dad sails the sailing ship

An event was held on the Nave Palinuro in recent days to celebrate the owners of the vintage and 12 Meters s.i. boats here to race.

Guests include Arthur Spithill, Jimmy’s father, with his second partner and the parents of Jennifer, our helmsman’s wife.
Arthur, ever so subtle, rides around the docks on a push scooter, which he leaves somewhat hidden in the press room in the evening.
Among the celebrants is Checco’s brother Gabriele Bruni (Ganga to everyone), who is aboard Kookaburra in the role of tactician, joined by Torben Grael, who is at the helm.
Kookaburra is Patrizio Bertelli’s sky-blue 12-meter s.i., June’s class world champion in the Porquerolles.
She is the second of three hulls designed by John Swarbrick for the 1987 America’s Cup in Fremantle.

Follow us for more pills, trivia and indiscretions from Barcelona in the next installment of Spy Cup.