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The Woolmark Company is proud to be the Official Technical Partner

Merino wool powers America's Cup team

37th America's Cup

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Merino wool has once again been put to the test through the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team uniform, designed and developed for the 37th America’s Cup. The uniforms further cement Merino wool’s rightful place as a new breed of
natural-performance sailing wear.

 

The America's Cup has begun!

We’re proud to cheer on the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli sailing team as they race towards victory in the 37th America’s Cup. Reuniting with Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli as the official technical partner, The Woolmark Company continues to put Merino wool’s inherent technical benefits to the test, expanding on the existing team kit to include performance-first apparel for cycling, running and gym-based training. The custom-made team uniforms have been made with technical fabrics that utilise Merino wool – a 100% natural, renewable biodegradable and recyclable fibre.

For live updates and streams go to the Luna Rossa News page.

 

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Enhanced sports performance. Naturally.

Enhanced sports performance, naturally

These extreme weather wear garments utilise the fibre Merino wool to enhance performance and reduce environmental impact. Wool’s natural properties such as superb breathability, the ability to wick away moisture and superior thermoregulation make the natural fibre ideal for professional sailing.

Sailing

Sailing

These uniforms herald the emergence of a new breed of natural performance sailing wear outperforming the rest. A Merino wool-rich wet jacket and wet suit offer the first line of protection with these technical outerwear garments, whilst a variety of base-layers harness Merino wool's superb breathability and moisture management properties.

Cycling

Cycling

Ultralight to maximise speed, the Merino wool-rich cycling gear protects athletes from wind and rain whilst delivering natural stretch for freedom of movement. Unique technical fabrics were developed to deliver enhanced temperature regulation and moisture management benefits, excelling in different weather conditions and intensity levels.

Running

Running

Stretch beyond expectation with a fibre made to maximise movement and comfort, these Merino wool-rich garments for running keeps the athletes cool and dry during endurance training activities. Soft next-to-skin base-layers and water-repellent mid- and outer-layers draw on the thermoregulating benefits of Merino wool.

“The last edition proved how Merino wool is the perfect partner to ensure high-quality performances thanks to its natural qualities. We are pleased to extend the presence of this 100% natural fibre also in the training uniforms, underlining once again the team's commitment to safeguarding the oceans.”

Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Marketing Director & Head of Corporate Social Responsibility
Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Marketing Director & Head of Corporate Social Responsibility

Merino wool sailing and training kit

Official Sailing Team Jacket
Waterproof membrane, up to 11 water columns.

Official Sailing Team Jacket

This 3-layer jacket bonds Australian Merino wool with a waterproof membrane, ensuring extreme water resistance while maintaining breathability. The Merino wool fabric enables greater thermal insulation from atmospheric agents and increases comfort.

Official Sailing Team Soft Shell Jacket
Merino wool micro-pile and waterproof membrane layering construction

Official Sailing Team Soft Shell Jacket

The layering construction of this mid-outer-layer soft shell jacket combines the Merino wool inner-layer with the waterproof outer-layer, delivering enhanced comfort in varying climatic conditions.

Official Sailing Team Blouson
Thermal insulation, breathable

Official Sailing Team Blouson

The three-layer fabric composition ensures maximum comfort and movement. The internal layer is Merino wool blended with polyamide and elastane; the second layer is a membrane bonded with the third layer of external polyamide which guarantees thermal insulation. 

Official Sailing Team Short Sleeve Polo
Lightweight, microplastic free

Official Sailing Team Short Sleeve Polo

The short sleeve summer polo shirt is made of 100% Merino wool, worn by the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli sailing team for both on- and off-shore activities. The Merino wool piqué fabric weighs 140 grams and utilises Merino wool’s inherent moisture management qualities. The shirt helps the wearer to keep cool in the heat, and to keep warm in wet and cold temperatures, avoiding drastic body temperature fluctuations and assuring comfort. The polo shirt is machine washable.

Official Sailing Team Tech T-Shirt
Lightweight, breathable, thermal insulation

Official Sailing Team Tech T-Shirt

The Tech T-Shirt is made with a combination of Merino wool and a bio-based polyamide and elastane. It is knitted with Br4® technology, an eco-sustainable patented production process that limits water and energy consumption by 20%. The resultant fabric has performance benefits including breathability, thermal insulation and moisture management with the added benefit using renewable fibres.

Running kit

Wool Jersey Short Sleeve T-Shirt
Moisture wicking.

Wool Jersey Short Sleeve T-Shirt

This short-sleeved Tech T-Shirt is made of Merino wool blend fabric, harnessing the fibre’s natural ability to keep athletes cool and dry through its innate moisture wicking ability. With fine Merino wool blended with Tencel™ (Lyocell), the T-Shirt is pleasant and cooling on the skin.

Wool Jersey Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Moisture wicking.

Wool Jersey Long Sleeve T-Shirt

This long-sleeved Tech T-Shirt is made of a Merino wool blend fabric, harnessing the fibre’s natural ability to keep athletes cool and dry through its innate moisture wicking ability. With fine Merino wool blended with Tencel™, the T-Shirt is pleasant and cooling on the skin.

Wool Fleece Zipped Hoodie
Thermal insulation, breathable, water repellent.

Wool Fleece Zipped Hoodie

Designed to naturally stabilise athletes’ body temperatures, the wool fleece zipped hoodie keeps the wearer both warm and cool. The garment’s double construction, with Merino wool on the inside, wicks away sweat to provide natural thermoregulation. Water repellent and comfortable with stretch, the garment can be used before, after or during training.

Wool Comfort Shorts
Lightweight, wind resistant.

Wool Comfort Shorts

These lightweight shorts feature a wool-blend, bi-stretch fabric. With a compact weave, the shorts are breathable and wind resistant, as well as soft and comfortable next to the skin.

Wool Interlock Leggings
Temperature regulation, moisture management.

Wool Interlock Leggings

With a wool-blend fabric that provides temperature regulation and moisture management, these wool interlock leggings excel in variable climate conditions and different intensity levels. Lightweight and brushed next to skin, these leggings can be used as a standalone piece or as part of a layering system. Additionally, the leggings have great elasticity and abrasion resistance. 

Cycling kit

Wool Tech Windproof Blouson
Ultralight, breathable.

Wool Tech Windproof Blouson

The Wool Tech Windproof Blouson has an ultralight wool-blend fabric, with a dense weave making the garment wind and rain resistant while maintaining the fibre’s natural breathability.

Jersey Double Rainproof Blouson
Water and wind resistant, breathable.

Jersey Double Rainproof Blouson

The Jersey Double Rainproof Blouson is a high-performance cycling garment made from three layers of wool-blend fabric. With a stretch membrane and combination of performance textiles, the garment maintains resistance to challenging weather, breathability and softness. 

Wool Jersey Zipped Blouson
Thermoregulation, moisture management.

Wool Jersey Zipped Blouson

The Wool Jersey Zipped Blouson is a technical wool blend with elastomer that enhances comfort, movement, thermoregulation and moisture management.

Wool Interlock Suit
Thermoregulation, moisture management.

Wool Interlock Suit

In two colour iterations, the Wool Interlock Suit delivers optimal temperature regulation and moisture management, excelling in variable climates and different intensity levels. Lightweight and comfortable next to skin, the Wool Interlock Suit can be used as a standalone piece or as part of a layering system. Additionally, the suit has great elasticity and abrasion resistance.

How Merino wool protects the ocean

With a focus on technical performance, and the added benefit of protecting the ocean, Merino wool proves to be the added element for Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli – a fibre created in - and defined by - the forces of nature, put to the ultimate test by this elite sailing team.

With up to 35% of microplastics in the marine environment shed from synthetic clothing, the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team chose to help combat the rising tide of microplastics by reducing the amount of synthetic fibres in its team uniform, and instead incorporating Merino wool – a 100% biodegradable fibre in both land and marine environments.

History of the America’s Cup

1851
1870
1980
1983
1997
2000
2013
2017
2018
2019
2021
2022

1851: THE LEGACY BEGINS

The America’s Cup, the pinnacle of yachting, was first contested in 1851 making it the oldest trophy in international sport, predating the modern Olympic Games by 45 years.

1870-1980: AMERICA UNDEFEATED

A 132-year winning stretch saw boats representing America successfully defend the trophy 24 times from 1870 through 1980.

1980: CHALLENGER SERIES

Without a doubt, the America’s Cup is the most difficult trophy in sport to win. In the more than 160 years since that first race off England, only four nations have won. In 1983 the Challenger Selection Series was introduced to develop and identify the strongest possible challenger for the America’s Cup and ensure that they were sufficiently battle-tested through tough competition to beat the Defender.

1983: AUSTRALIA SUCCEEDS

Australia was one of the challenging countries in 1983, and the ‘Men from Down Under’ brought a secret weapon. Australia II sported a boxing Kangaroo flag in the rigging as she was towed out to sea, and under the water, a radically-designed winged keel that gave the 12-Metre Class boat superior speed under most conditions. Australia II became the first successful challenger to lift the trophy from the Americans.

1997: PRADA LAUNCHES CHALLENGE

The Luna Rossa team was created in 1997 by Patrizio Bertelli under the name "Prada Challenge for America's Cup 2000”. At its debut the team immediately won the Challenger Selection Series and went on to challenge the Defender for the America's Cup.

2000: PRADA’S FUTURISTIC UNIFORMS

With understated, futuristic uniforms issued to the sailors on the Prada Challenge, the technical clothing, including custom-made foul-weather gear for heavy-weather days and form-fitting and tri-laminate Lycra-based spray shirts were sported in silver with a distinct red stripe featuring the Prada logo.

2013: LUNA ROSSA CHALLENGER

Luna Rossa subsequently participated in the 2003, 2007 and 2013 editions of America's Cup, qualifying for the final of the Challenger Selection Series three times out of four disputed America's Cup campaigns. The crew’s silver, aerodynamically designed uniforms resembled elegant space suits and visually synced with the beautiful styling of the Luna Rossa boat.

2017: HISTORIC RECORD SURPASSED

In 2017, Luna Rossa launched its sixth challenge in the America's Cup, surpassing Sir Thomas Lipton’s historical record of number of challenges.

2018: UNPRECENDENTED BOAT DESIGN

An exciting new class of boat, the AC75, a foiling monohull, the likes of which had never been seen before was announced along with the title event sponsor Prada, setting the foundations of an exciting event in 2021.

2019: PRADA X WOOLMARK

And just as the technical aspects of the boat have advanced, so too has the sailor’s technical clothing. Tested by the best, the performance benefits of Merino wool will combine with Prada’s iconic aesthetic to give the sailors from Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli the competitive edge.

2021: 36TH AMERICA’S CUP

After 10 incredible and hard-fought regattas the 36th America’s Cup presented by PRADA came to an end with a 7 - 3 score in favour of the defender, Emirates Team New Zealand.

2022: LUNA ROSSA PRADA PIRELLI X WOOLMARK REUNITE

The Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team once again onboards The Woolmark Company as its technical partner, expanding its Merino wool rich sailing kit to include performance-driven garments for cycling and running training activities.

“Wearing good quality sportswear for a team like Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli means enhancing our performance.”

Max Sirena, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team Director and Skipper
Max Sirena, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team Director and Skipper