Congratulation to our ambassador Francesco Bruni for joining our Race for the Future partners ROCKWOOL Racing SailGP Team! Seven-time world champion sailor he has joined the ROCKWOOL Racing SailGP Team as Head Coach ahead of the SailGP season opener in Dubai this weekend.

For Francesco Bruni, better known as Checco, this new role with the Danish team marks his first commitment after the America’s Cup campaign with Luna Rossa, where he served as co-helmsman alongside Jimmy Spithill.

“I’m really excited to be here in this new role,” says Bruni, who has participated in six America’s Cups and three Olympic Games. “SailGP is a fantastic circuit with an exceptionally high level of competition. Watching the ROCKWOOL Racing team from the outside, I’ve noticed remarkable growth over the past seasons. I hope Season 5 will bring the results this group deserves.”

Bruni last competed in SailGP during Season 2 as a member of the Japan SailGP Team before dedicating himself to Luna Rossa’s latest America’s Cup challenge.

Commenting on the transition from racing to his new role, Bruni adds: “At some point, they ask you to become a coach. This is my first experience, and I’m excited and motivated to do it well. From my perspective as a coach, time spent on the water is crucial, but so is getting to know the team and building strong relationships with every member, not just Nicolai [Sehested, the helm]. I really want to become an integral part of the team and a reliable point of reference for them.”

ROCKWOOL Racing’s helm, Nicolai Sehested, expressed his delight at securing Bruni for the upcoming season: “Checco needs no introduction to sailing enthusiasts, and his world-class experience will be a huge asset for our team. His track record and stellar reputation speak for themselves, and we’re confident he will provide invaluable insights and guidance to help us achieve our goal of winning SailGP.”

ROCKWOOL Racing finished last season in fourth place, just one point shy of the critical final podium. The team also secured second place in the Impact League after winning the sustainability trophy in Season 3. Bruni, who has long been an ambassador for One Ocean Foundation, ROCKWOOL’s sustainability partner, is optimistic about achieving success both on and off the water this season.

“I’m proud to be an ambassador for One Ocean Foundation, and being here with the Danish team, which has won the Impact League in previous seasons, fills me with pride. I’m thrilled about this aspect as well.”

“I believe SailGP and the America’s Cup are the two most important sailing events in this sport, and participating in both is a significant advantage for me. I’ll bring my America’s Cup experience here to SailGP and share it with the team—I’m confident something great will come of it.”

He adds: “I’m really excited to see an Italian team in SailGP; many of the guys are good friends of mine, and I wish them all the best. The first season is always tough, but I believe they’ll do well in the long run.”

Checco Bruni made his SailGP debut in Taranto, a venue he will return to in September 2025, when ROCKWOOL will host the ROCKWOOL Italy Sail Grand Prix for the second time.