New America's Cup yachts: ITA-85

Considering that the sailnumber of the first boat to be built for the 32nd America's Cup in Valencia was 83 and that after almost two years numbering has reached 100, ITA-85 was one of the first new-generation boats designed and built for this edition of the sailing competition.

ITA-85 is the yacht the Italian team +39 Challenge will rely upon to battle in the Louis Vuitton Cup. She hasn't been used in any official racing and the team has only raced since 2004 on the older ITA-59. Italian designer Giovanni Cecarelli started working on ITA-85 at the beginning of 2004 and construction started in the middle of 2005. The hull arrived in Valencia in June 2006 and she was officially presented at the end of that month. Nevertheless, the boat wasn't yet ready for sailing and after being fitted out she was launched last October, making her maiden voyage on the 27th.

Since that day, the Italian challenger has been regularly training in Valencia, hoping to be able to reach thier goal of 4th position in the Louis Vuitton Cup, an admittedly enviable rank, coveted by at least a handful of challengers.

ITA-85 being towed out of Port America's Cup. Valencia, 27 February 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

ITA-85 being towed out of Port America's Cup. Valencia, 27 February 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

ITA-85 being towed out of Port America's Cup. Valencia, 27 February 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

ITA-85 of +39 Challenge during her first test sails. Valencia, 22 October 2006. Photo copyright +39 Challenge