Boss of fashionable Prada hints at closing-down sail

By HELEN TUNNAH and AGENCIES

New Zealand's darlings of the last America's Cup, Italian team Prada, may be quitting the event as a return of the yachting trophy to Europe looms.

Syndicate boss Patrizio Bertelli, the chief executive of the Prada fashion house, has told an Italian reporter he will not mount another challenge.

"This adventure is finished," Mr Bertelli was quoted as saying in Italy's largest sports newspaper, Gazzetta dello Sport.

He said he had not decided what he would do with the syndicate's boats, although they would remain in Auckland for now.

"I could sell them. I've even had requests from Italy."

Swiss team Alinghi currently lead Team New Zealand 3-0 in the America's Cup, and need just two more wins from the last six races to win the event.

The cup has not been contested in Europe since 1851.

Mr Bertelli has been in Auckland for three days and is due to leave this afternoon.

He would not confirm his plans, but has not denied making the statement.

Prada became an instant hit when they arrived in New Zealand in late 1997 to train for their first cup challenge.

The classy Italians were admired for their grace, manners and stylish dress, and became the sentimental local favourites, especially against American teams, throughout the 1999-2000 regatta.

Skipper Francesco de Angelis was even voted the world's second sexist man in a radio poll, coming runner-up to singer Ricky Martin.

He later confessed to not knowing who Martin was.

Prada won the Louis Vuitton Cup three years ago but lost the cup match 5-0 to Team New Zealand. They returned to challenge again, but last December were beaten in the semi-finals by OneWorld Challenge of Seattle.

The syndicate had struggled throughout the series, with the boat off the pace in early races.

Mr Bertelli "terminated" head designer Doug Peterson's contract after just one race.

Mr Bertelli ploughed US$55 million ($98 million) into his first challenge, and another US$95 million into his more recent effort.

Prada's business interests have struggled of late, but Mr Bertelli was also thought reluctant to challenge if Italian-born Swiss billionaire Ernesto Bertarelli won the cup with Alinghi.

It was thought he would try to remain in the event, perhaps with outside sponsorship help, if Team New Zealand successfully defended.

A spokeswoman for the syndicate said yesterday that she could not comment on the newspaper reports.

She said that Mr Bertelli did not want to make any official statement right now.

The team's sailors are contracted to Prada until the end of next month.

It is understood they have not been told there will be no third challenge.


Continuous coverage of today's America's Cup race will begin on nzherald.co.nz at 12.30pm.

nzherald.co.nz/americascup

Racing schedule and results