A mix of Olympic champions, seasoned pros, and rising stars set sail for Italy
Picture this: sleek, high-tech sailboats flying above the water at insane speeds, with the best sailors in the world battling it out. This is SailGP, the Formula 1 of sailing—and it’s about to get even more exciting with the debut of the Red Bull Italy team, led by Ruggero Tita.
Ruggero isn’t new to high-pressure competitions. He’s a double Olympic gold medalist, winning at Tokyo 2020 (held in 2021) and Paris 2024 with his partner Caterina Banti. But now, he’s taking on a whole new challenge: captaining a brand-new team in one of the fastest-growing sports leagues. And where better to make a splash than Dubai, the venue for SailGP’s 2025 season opener?
From Gold Medals to F50s
Ruggero has been dreaming about SailGP for years. “I’ve always been a fan of the league—it’s so fast-paced and exciting,” he says. But starting an Italian team was easier said than done. That’s where Jimmy Spithill came in. Jimmy is a sailing legend who’s won America’s Cups and helped put the U.S. SailGP team on the map.
When Jimmy joined the project, everything clicked. His reputation helped attract the right sponsors, crew, and expertise to get Red Bull Italy off the ground. “Jimmy being part of this gave us the credibility we needed,” Ruggero explains.
Meet the Crew
The Red Bull Italy team is a mix of rising stars and seasoned pros. Several team members, like grinders Matteo Celon and strategist Giulia Fava, have worked with Italy’s top sailing squads. Then there’s Kyle Langford, a three-time SailGP champion who left Team Australia to join this new Italian effort. Ruggero is quick to point out how much Kyle has helped them learn the ropes—or, in this case, the foils.
“Having someone like Kyle who knows these boats inside out is such a big help,” Ruggero says.
Dubai: A Perfect Training Ground
SailGP’s opening event in Dubai is offering the perfect stage for Red Bull Italy to test their skills. The lighter wind conditions make it safer for a new team to get the hang of things, but they also come with challenges. “It’s tricky to keep the boat on the foils in light winds,” Ruggero admits. “But that’s all part of the learning process.”
Their days in Dubai are packed with training, video replays, and endless discussions about strategy. “It’s intense,” Ruggero says. “Staying focused for hours is tough, but it’s worth it.”
Looking to the Future
Ruggero knows Red Bull Italy is up against some of the best teams in the world, like Brazil’s team, led by another Olympic champion, Martine Grael. But he’s not discouraged. “It’s a steep hill to climb, but we’ll get there,” he says.
As the team dives into their first races, Ruggero’s excitement is clear. “Having Jimmy as a mentor has been incredible,” he says. “He’s in the coach booth, giving advice, and even jumping on the boat to show us what he means. It’s inspiring to have someone like him guiding us.”
Red Bull Italy is just getting started, but their journey in SailGP promises to bring plenty of excitement—and maybe even a few surprises. Stay tuned as Ruggero and his crew take on the world’s best sailors in one of the most thrilling sports on the planet.
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