Seven-time world champion Francesco ‘Checco’ Bruni has made a spectacular entrance at the RS21 World Championship 2026, steering ITA 239 Torpyone to a race win on the opening day of competition at Yacht Club de Cannes. The America’s Cup star’s debut in the RS21 class immediately turned heads across the 40-boat fleet.
Taking on the role of tactician aboard Torpyone, Checco joined the fifth edition of the championship, running from 28-31 October in Cannes, France. With light winds testing the fleet on Day 1, the Italian sailing icon helped his team secure a bullet in the opening race, finishing the day ninth overall after three completed races.
One of the most recognisable figures in international sailing, Palermo-born Checco has built an outstanding career spanning three Olympic classes, match racing and professional sailing. A key member of Luna Rossa’s America’s Cup campaigns, he helmed the Italian challenger in Auckland in 2021 and Barcelona in 2024, reaching the America’s Cup Match and the Louis Vuitton Cup Final respectively.
His appearance in Cannes comes just two days after the announcement of his transfer from Luna Rossa to Tudor Team Alinghi. After five America’s Cup campaigns with the Italian team, Checco is preparing for a new challenge as helmsman and skipper of the Swiss challenger ahead of the 38th America’s Cup in Naples in 2027.
But before turning his attention to the next America’s Cup cycle, Checco is relishing the opportunity to race the RS21.
“For years, I’ve always wanted to race with the RS21, but I never managed it because of other commitments. It’s a really fun boat. It’s really reactive, and I like it very much,” he said.
The RS21 is a modern keelboat designed to deliver accessible, high-performance one-design racing. Its responsive handling and tactical demands reward teamwork, communication and precision, creating close competition across a diverse fleet. Bringing together professional sailors, experienced campaigners and youth crews, the class offers an environment in which skill and strategy matter as much as raw speed.
“We’re delighted to welcome Checco to the RS21 World Championship here in Cannes,” commented RS21 International Class Manager Liam Willis. “The fleet has been growing year on year, attracting big names from the national circuits, as well as pro sailors, Olympians and world-class sailors like Checco. It’s awesome to be racing alongside him and the other pro and Corinthian sailors in this highly competitive fleet. After Day 1, it’s still all to play for!”
Checco was equally positive about his experience racing with Torpyone and skipper Eduardo Lupi.
“I am happy with the crew, Torpyone, and with Lupi. It’s a nice experience,” he added.
A familiar name on the Italian national circuit, Torpyone, representing Varazze Club Nautico and skippered by Lupi, has a strong track record in the RS21 class. The team won the RS21 Yamamay Cup in 2024 and has steadily improved its World Championship performances, progressing from 12th place in 2022 and 2023 to sixth in 2024.
With Checco’s tactical experience adding another dimension to the team, Torpyone has made a promising start to the 2026 championship. Three days of racing remain, leaving plenty of opportunities for the team and the rest of the 40-boat fleet to climb the leaderboard.
