Ernesto Bertarelli
Ernesto Bertarelli: The Swiss Maestro of the America’s Cup
From Lakeside Dreams to America’s Cup Triumphs
Ernesto Bertarelli. The name resonates, doesn't it? Born in Rome in 1965 , but it was Switzerland that became his backdrop. Young Ernesto wasn't just any lad; his father, Fabio, headed the Serono pharmaceutical empire and made sure his son was immersed in the business from the tender age of seven. Yet, the call of the water was strong. "My father was a sailor and our summer vacations were always on a sailboat," he once said, adding, "I had a little boat before I had a moped". Imagine that – the freedom of a dinghy on the Italian Mediterranean, a stark contrast to boardroom discussions. That early taste of wind and wave clearly set a course. His family moved to Geneva in 1977, and it was there, on the vast expanse of Lake Geneva, that his sailing passion truly took root.
The Alinghi Ascendancy
The path to nautical prominence wasn't accidental. Bertarelli, armed with a Harvard MBA , approached sailing with the same meticulous drive he applied to business. He cut his teeth in competitive sailing, particularly in multihulls, commissioning his first trimaran in 1994 and tasting victory in the prestigious Bol d'Or on Lake Geneva in 1997.
This was just the overture. The Alinghi syndicate, founded in 2000, was his masterstroke. The goal? The America's Cup. Many scoffed – a landlocked nation challenging for the oldest trophy in international sport? But Bertarelli wasn't just dreaming; he was planning, assembling a crack team, and fostering a culture of innovation. He even spearheaded the D35 one-design class on Lake Geneva to sharpen the competitive edge.
Conquering the Auld Mug – Twice
And then came Auckland, 2003. Alinghi, on its very first attempt, wrested the America's Cup from Team New Zealand. Bertarelli wasn't just the money man; he was on board as navigator, a pivotal role in that historic 5-0 win. Europe had the Cup back after 152 years. The sailing world was stunned. He proved it was no fluke by successfully defending the Cup in Valencia in 2007, a thrilling series that many old salts still talk about. Beyond the Cup, Alinghi became a dominant force, scooping up eight D35 Trophies, seven Bol d'Or titles, four Extreme Sailing Series championships, and a GC32 World Championship in 2019. Now, with Alinghi Red Bull Racing, he was aiming for a third Cup victory in Barcelona.
The Man, The Legacy, The Vision
Ernesto is more than just a driven competitor. He’s a family man, married and divorced to Kirsty Roper, herself a sailor and musician, with whom he shares children. The Bertarelli family values speak of entrepreneurial spirit, a "culture of the possible," and a deep-seated commitment to giving back.
Through the Bertarelli Foundation, co-chaired with his sister Dona (a formidable sailor in her own right ), he's a significant force in marine conservation and life sciences. He’s a man who appreciates the beauty of the world he navigates and works to preserve it. His legacy? A testament to vision, meticulous execution, and the audacity to challenge the old guard, forever changing the landscape of competitive sailing.
