Francesco "Checco" Bruni was presented as the new skipper and helmsman of Tudor Team Alinghi at a press conference held at Circolo Nautico Posillipo in Naples on 9 November 2026.
The presentation was reported by Circolo Nautico Posillipo and confirmed by Tudor Team Alinghi, which said Bruni had joined the Swiss challenger for the 38th America's Cup and would relocate to Naples.
From Luna Rossa to Alinghi
Bruni arrives from Luna Rossa, where he previously served as a helmsman and later as a coach with the Italian team.
Tudor Team Alinghi describes him as a seven-time world champion in various sailing classes.
For readers following the Cup in Naples, the move is notable because it brings an Italian sailor who previously served as helmsman and later coach with Luna Rossa into the Swiss team's sailing group.
What Bruni said
Bruni said his ambition is to build "the strongest sailing team on the water."
He is expected to work closely with Paul Goodison. The final allocation of helm positions and the complete sailing crew had not yet been settled at the time of the reports.
That detail matters for supporters: the presentation confirmed Bruni's role as skipper and helmsman, but not the full starting lineup for racing.
What happens next in Naples
Tudor Team Alinghi planned to begin sailing BoatOne in the Gulf of Naples in December 2026, following preparation of the team's AC75.
The schedule remains prospective and could change, but it gives local sailing fans a clear date to watch: December was identified as the planned start of on-the-water sailing in Naples waters.
