Prospective America's Cup challenger Adelasia di Torres received a "significant sponsorship boost that might just get the Italians to the start line" for Auckland '21, according to STUFF. The Sardinian team had "hoped to confirm their entry" by the official June 30 deadline but a "shortage of funding prevented that." Now the team has "found an ally" in Italy-based int'l real estate company Altus Founder & CEO Pasquale Cataldi, whose firm has "multi-billion dollar assets." Adelasia skipper Renato Azara in a statement said, "The partnership with Altus represents a milestone in the Adelasia path: the goal that will allow us to officially launch the challenge is closer." Cataldi said that the team's vision "resonated with his own values." Cataldi: "I like to contribute to a project that is an opportunity for growth for designers, shipyards and sailors because I believe in the importance of sport for individual and social development." Adelasia would be the "second Italian syndicate involved in Auckland alongside challenger of record Luna Rossa." So far, only Luna Rossa, American Magic and Ineos Team UK have "confirmed their entries" for the 36th America's Cup (STUFF, 8/15).
