CAGLIARI, SARDINIA, ITALY – MAY 20, 2026 – Following an intensive dual-boat training block in Barcelona, Tudor Team Alinghi has confirmed its line-up for the upcoming Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta.
For the fleet racing on the Bay of Angels, the Swiss challenger will field a crew led by the driving partnership of Paul Goodison (GBR), who serves as both skipper and helmsman, and fellow helmsman Phil Robertson (NZL). They are paired with trimmers Nicolas Rolaz (SUI) and Pietro Sibello (ITA).
With eleven days of direct sailing together, the team is treating the event as a baseline for their progress and focusing entirely on their preparation. “We are highly motivated,” says Goodison. “We know we have a lot of work ahead of us and catching up to do, but we enjoy the challenge and are looking forward to getting the racing underway.”
Robertson, who previously supported the team in a coaching capacity during the 37th America’s Cup, steps into a driving role for this cycle. “As a teenager, I watched Alinghi’s victories back home, so to now be part of the team is something I’m incredibly proud of. To experience the campaign from the inside and contribute to a team with that kind of legacy in the America’s Cup makes it even more special.”
Under the nationality rules of the 38th America’s Cup protocol, the crew meets its national requirements through Rolaz and Sibello, who is eligible as a national sailor for the Swiss entry in this cycle.
For Rolaz, the youngest member of the crew, the regatta represents a next step in his progression with the team. “It gives me a real sense of confidence to be back with the team, and it shows the trust they have in me. It feels like a natural progression, and it’s really special to now be sailing alongside guys I’ve always watched racing out on the water.”
Sibello, who served as Head Coach during the 37th America’s Cup, returns to a racing role for this event, bringing experience to the trimmer position alongside Rolaz. “We have great trust in one another, strong communication, but above all, we enjoy working together,” he says. “That’s important for a long campaign. It is also a pleasure to be racing in Italy, where the public support for the America’s Cup is so enthusiastic and passionate.”
The Preliminary Regatta Sardinia marks the competitive start of the road to the 38th America’s Cup in Naples. While the event does not count towards the final standings, it offers the team a valuable opportunity to test its systems and communication in a live, one-design fleet-racing environment.
Official practice begins on May 21, with fleet racing scheduled from May 22–24, starting at 15:00 CEST daily.
SARDINIA PRELIMINARY REGATTA SCHEDULE
- Thursday, May 21: Official Practice Day & Opening Ceremony
- Friday, May 22: Fleet Racing (From 15:00 CEST)
- Saturday, May 23: Fleet Racing (From 15:00 CEST)
- Sunday, May 24: Fleet Racing & Match Race Final
TUDOR TEAM ALINGHI
Paul Goodison (GBR), 29 November 1977 – Skipper & Starboard Helm
America’s Cup: Three participations (2024, 2021, 2017)
Olympic Games: 2008: Gold in Laser Class
World Championships: 2018, 2017, 2016: World Champion (Moth class); 2009: World Champion (Laser class)
Phil Robertson (NZL), 13 May 1987 – Port Helm
America’s Cup: 37. America’s Cup with Alinghi Red Bull Racing
World Championships: 2019, 2016: Gold World Match Racing Tour; 2019: Bronze SailGP Championship; 2018, 2017: Gold M32 World
Nicolas Rolaz (SUI), 20 September 1999 – Starboard Trimmer
America’s Cup: 37. America’s Cup with Alinghi Red Bull Racing
Sailing Highlights: 2014: Optimist World Champion
Pietro Sibello (ITA), 28 June 1979 – Port Trimmer
America’s Cup: 37. America’s Cup with Alinghi Red Bull Racing and 2021 with Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team
Olympics: 2008, 2004: Olympics (49er)
World Championships: 2010, 2009, 2005: 3x Worlds Bronze, European Champion (49er)
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