Cisco’s AI-driven technology to connect and protect Luna Rossa’s America’s Cup Challenge

In a move that highlights the growing fusion of sport and technology, Cisco has been named the Official Secure AI Infrastructure Partner for the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team in the 38th America’s Cup. This partnership is set to equip the Italian challenger with an advanced, AI-driven platform designed to provide a critical competitive edge by enabling real-time performance decisions while safeguarding the team’s valuable digital assets.

Success in the modern America’s Cup is as much a technological race as it is a test of sailing prowess. The AC75 monohulls, equipped with hundreds of sensors, generate gigabytes of data on everything from wind speed to foil performance. Cisco’s unified technology platform is crucial for collecting and transmitting this data securely from the boat to the shore crew, providing engineers and strategists with immediate, actionable insights. This effortless flow of information, powered by AI, allows the team to analyze race conditions and make tactical adjustments with unparalleled speed and accuracy.

Beyond connectivity, a primary focus of the partnership is digital security. The vast amount of proprietary design data, race simulations, and performance analytics represents a significant intellectual property for the team. Cisco’s AI-powered security portfolio will serve as a robust defense against sophisticated cyber threats. By using AI to detect and respond to anomalies in real-time, the platform ensures that the team’s mission-critical operations remain secure, preventing any unauthorized access to the data that underpins their race strategy.

Gilberto Nobili, Technology & Operations Director for Luna Rossa, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. “The America’s Cup is a race of innovation as well as endurance. With Cisco’s advanced AI security safeguarding our operations, our team can focus on what matters most, delivering performance at the highest level.” This sentiment underscores the role of technology not just as a tool, but as a core enabler of the team’s pursuit of victory.