Bruni hopes one-off challenge is a bluff

Luna Rossa star Francesco Bruni is frustrated at the lack of information about the next America’s Cup and hopes talk of a one-off challenge between Team New Zealand and Team UK is ‘‘a bluff’’.

Bruni co-helmed Luna Rossa with Jimmy Spithill in the recent America’s Cup match, losing 7-3 to Team New Zealand in Auckland.

With concrete plans for the next Cup yet to emerge, Bruni has jumped at a chance to join the blossoming SailGP league, signing up with Team Japan who are skippered by Australian Nathan Outteridge.

But the America’s Cup remains on Bruni’s mind. He confirmed he has yet to sign on again with Luna Rossa though remains hopeful of that eventuating once details of moving the regatta forward are released by Team New Zealand and new challenger of record

Team UK.

Asked if he believed the talk of a deed of gift challenge between the Kiwis and British in Cowes could eventuate, Bruni told La Stampa: ‘‘It’s not that I don’t believe it, I hope it’s a joke, a bluff. After a crazy edition like the one in 2021, sending everything to that country to have a two-person fight, well, it seems a shame.

‘‘I expect something equally beautiful for the next edition, again in New Zealand, always with the AC75 and with more teams.’’

Team New Zealand and Team UK have released some basic information about their plans, confirming the AC75 boat for the next two editions of the Cup and considerably tightening the nationality rules. But there has been no confirmation of where the event is headed after Team New Zealand went to the open market for hosting offers as an alternative to Auckland.