Francesco De Angelis (yachtsman)

Francesco de Angelis (born September 11, 1960) is an Italian yachtsman. de Angelis is the first Italian skipper to win a Louis Vuitton Cup, a feat he accomplished in 1999-2000 with Luna Rossa ITA45.

Born in Naples, de Angelis has been six times World Champion in different classes: in 1987 in J24 at Capri, 1989 in Naples and 1992 in Denmark in the One Ton Class, in 1995 also in Denmark and in 1996 in Greece with ILC40 Class, in 2008 in Athens ( Greece ) in ORCi international class.

In 1995 he won the Admiral's Cup, to which he later added three Sardinia Cup, two Swan Cup and the Rolex Middle Sea Race Trophy ( 2005, 2013, 2015 ). His palmares is completed by two Europeans and nine Italian titles in different classes. He was awarded with four Gold Medals for sport merits by the Italian Olympic Committee ( C.O.N.I. ) and he is Honorary Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit ( O.N.Z.M.) . In 2000, after the victory in the Louis Vuitton Cup, he led Luna Rossa-Prada in the America's Cup final, but was beaten 5-0 by New Zealand Black Magic, led by Russell Coutts. In 2003 he was again helmsman of Luna Rossa for the XXXI America's Cup campaign, this time defeated in the Louis Vuitton's semi-finals by One World.

In the XXXII America's Cup, Valencia 2007, he was chosen again as Skipper and Team Principal of Luna Rossa Challenge, leaving the helm to the younger James Spithill. His Team qualified for the Louis Vuitton Cup 2007 final.

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