by Jill Campbell
Just two days remain until the start of the third leg of the Louis Vuitton Trophy due to be held in La Maddalena, Sardinia, from 22nd May to 6th June 2010. Team Azzurra, under the YCCS burgee, is currently taking part in training sessions for the event which will see racing take place on the team’s home waters off the Costa Smeralda: a race course renowned the world over for its winds, tactical challenges and spectacular scenery.
In view of this important regatta Azzurra has recently signed an agreement with EA7 Emporio Armani which will become the team’s official supplier, commencing with the Louis Vuitton Trophy regatta in La Maddalena.
The uniform that EA7 Emporio Armani will provide for the sailing and shore teams combines elegance, style and EA7 active wear’s advanced technological research with team Azzurra’s sailing know-how. The product of this exceptional collaboration is a special EA7 capsule collection inspired by the apparel created for the athletes of Azzurra, and includes clothing for men and women and a line of accessories. The collection will be on sale from June in selected Emporio Armani boutiques worldwide. The Azzurra look will include a series of pieces produced in special cutting-edge breathable, waterproof and windproof materials.
“I am very pleased with this new collaboration which once again demonstrates our wish to unite the EA7 philosophy, a brand which is at the forefront in first class technical sports clothing, with the experience and competitive spirit of the all-Italian team Azzurra”, commented Giorgio Armani.
Giovanni Maspero, Team Principal of Azzurra, affirmed: “I am very enthusiastic about this new collaboration with one of the most renowned names in Italian fashion. Armani represents Italian excellence worldwide and marries perfectly with the values of Azzurra. Quality, professionalism and dependability are the foundations on which our team is built and they allow us to compete at the highest levels, the same principles apply in the world of active wear and sportswear where EA7 is a brand leader.
“Armani is the pride of Italian design,” declared Riccardo Bonadeo, Commodore of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and President of Azzurra, “and Azzurra, the only team participating in the Louis Vuitton Trophy composed exclusively of Italian athletes, is the pride of Italian sailing. This is an important partnership, for Azzurra and the YCCS, which strengthens our role as ambassadors of Italian style and excellence.”
Ten of the world’s top teams representing eight nations will compete in the Louis Vuitton Trophy in La Maddalena where Azzurra will be joined by two other renowned Italian teams: Mascalzone Latino Audi Team, Challenger of Record for the 34th America’s Cup, and Luna Rossa. America’s Cup Defender BMW ORACLE Racing will also participate, as will Emirates Team New Zealand, winner of the Louis Vuitton Trophy in Auckland (March 2010) who was defeated by Azzurra in the event in Nice (November 2009).
Azzurra
Louis Vuitton Trophy
