Vincenzo Onorato speaks...

The Mascalone Latino-Capitalia Sailing Team discusses his approach

In a short time - about three weeks - the Mascalzone Latino-Capitalia Sailing Team will be heading to Valencia. With the Louis Vuitton Acts 4 & 5 scheduled to begin on 16 June, the team is busy preparing themselves. Vincenzo Onorato commented on their preparation.

VO: “Since April the team began to work on Elba. They’re alternating their practices to include phases of match racing and phases of speed testing,” recounts Onorato. “As quickly as possible we must get the team to a level where they feel confident. You must be confident to maneuver these giant boats. Also, the designers must work with the sailors on a technical level everyday to upgrade the two Stars & Stripes boats, USA 66 and USA 77.”

What is different about the new Mascalzone Latino-Capitalia Team?

VO: “We want to create a team of champions that expresses a group ego and not individual egos”.

Which aspect of these early stages has been most positive?

VO: “Truly the team spirit this time is one of unity”.

You’ve revisited the concept of 'all Italian' and made some adjustments…

VO: “True. We’ve added some foreigners like strategist Hamish Pepper and main trimmer Marco Constant because of their specific strengths and experiences. We want to do well. But the rest of the team remains Italian: I think Italians are among the best in the world and I am convinced that our country is ready and mature enough now to win the America’s Cup”.

Tell us about Harry Dunning, the man chosen to lead the design team.

VO: “Harry has a lot of experience as a 'project leader'. He was responsible for the two Stars & Stripes boats that we’ve just acquired. They’re fast like rabbits! Another of his creations is Alfa Romeo Shockwave, which demonstrates his innovative spirit”.

You have acquired the two Stars & Stripes boats, USA 66 and USA 77, which are rather extreme. Do you think that they can be converted to the new formula and be competitive?

VO: “We all think 'yes'. We are convinced that these two boats in Auckland weren’t given a chance to show their potential because they didn’t have time to two-boat test and develop their design”.

VO: “I am expecting the new boats to be very similar and close in speed. In truth I don’t think there is much to invent…I think the difference will be the sailors”.

And do you foresee yourself being on board?

VO: “Yes. I hope to be. This is my passion. I would like to be helmsman but this isn’t possible. These boats need specialists, and the very best is Flavio Favini”.

In Valencia you will be taking on the big four, Alinghi, BMW Oracle, Emirates Team New Zealand, and Luna Rossa, that have already spent a lot of time working. How will you prepare for the confrontation?

VO: “We don’t have an inferiority complex! We are motivated to do well. And we like the idea of fleet racing. It’s going to be fun and spectacular”.

What do you think of Valencia?

VO: “It’s a beautiful place with wind, so we should have good races. BUT it’s got nothing on Naples”.

You’re heart is still with Naples?

VO: “Truly. We missed a grand opportunity not just for Naples, but also for all of Italy. That’s in the past though. Now we look to the future and I promise you that if we win the America’s Cup we will bring the Cup to Naples and have a huge parade through the streets. This is our promise”.

What do you think about your place in the heart of Italians?

VO: “Essentially we are -and I am speaking not just for me but also for my guys- easy going, free thinking and responsive. And they respect each other’s emotions, and the emotions of the public. We are a true team that is not going to become overly compartmentalised”.

You always said: The first time to learn, the second to do well.

VO: “I should say that during the second time we still hope to learn. And as for our determination to do well…we think there is a good chance that we will have a nice result”.

Would you like to explain why you feel so confident?

VO: “The experience, the capabilities, and the fighting spirit of these guys. Two charismatic characters that are completely different from one another lead us: Vasco Vascotto and Flavio Favini, that despite their differences work together perfectly. And last but not least, we have with us Hamish Pepper, Marco Constant, Cameron Dunn and John Ziskind…just to name a few, that are here to bolster our team”.