Mapei has set off with Ambrogio Beccaria

Mapei is embarking on a brave new adventure alongside Ambrogio Beccaria: its first modern ocean sailing project in the name of technological innovation and sustainability. Ambrogio, an intrepid sailor of Milanese descent born in 1991 who is full of desire and determination to take on challenges, is the captain of this enterprise: an unprecedented journey aimed at testing human limits and taking the history of sailing to a new level. Mapei, with its vocation as a pioneering company, is ready to sail the ocean together with a top crew on board Alla Grande: a latest generation Class40 yacht.

Alla Grande opens up a new chapter in nautical design: the hull is designed by Gianluca Guelfi and is being built in a recently opened shipyard in Genoa, Sangiorgio Marine. The boat, equipped with a satellite link and extremely powerful sensors, is innovative both in terms of its technology and environmental impact. The design, the carefully crafted sails and hydrodynamic simulations have made this a revolutionary project from the very onset.

As far as possible, Alla Grande will sail in an environmentally friendly way: water comes from a desalinator which, in turn, is powered by renewable energy. The use of single-use plastics will be kept to a minimum and any plastic items (only a few) are reusable.

Veronica Squinzi, Mapei’s CEO, had this to say about this latest sporting challenge: "We are proud to support this innovative and courageous project captained by Ambrogio Beccaria. A sporting and technological challenge based around the enthusiasm and passion for the sea of three talented young engineers. We are sure that project will go far. Passion, hard work and determination to take on new challenges are sporting values that have always been part of Mapei's DNA. That's why we decided to 'embark' on this adventure".

The Mapei Sport Research Centre is supporting Ambrogio in his physical training and also providing medical, sporting and nutritional assistance. It is also carrying out an in-depth scientific study into the sport of sailing. Mapei Sport experts have even been on board with him to study the workloads he will have to handle and how he will have to move around to manoeuvre the vessel.

After the launch scheduled for July at the Yacht Club Italiano in Genoa, the competitive season will begin, culminating with his participation in the Route du Rhum, the most famous transatlantic solo race, departing from Saint Malo, Brittany, France to Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe.

This new challenge on the open sea brings together ideals that are so important to Mapei: constant research into innovation, attention to sustainability and the desire to launch new futuristic enterprises. As it sets sail with Ambrogio, Mapei will be bringing along its own passion and determination, aiming to match the achievements it has attained in so many other sports from cycling to soccer.