Philippe's Role
Philippe Presti is one of the most versatile sailors in ORACLE RACING, making him the perfect coach for the sailing team. Presti began sailing at a young age on lakes with his parents, but didn’t take up competitive racing until he was 20 years old.
Presti, however, proved a quick learner in a number of one-design classes. He's won championships in the Finn (singlehanded dinghy), Soling (three-person keelboat) and Star (two-person keelboat) classes, three very different yet physically demanding classes.
Presti has also been a member of three America’s Cup syndicates. He served as coach and tune-up helmsman to skipper James Spithill in Italy’s Luna Rossa Challenge for the 32nd America’s Cup in 2007, and the two were reunited in BMW ORACLE Racing prior to the 33rd Cup.
Career Highlights
2010: 33rd America’s Cup, BMW ORACLE Racing, winner
ORACLE RC 44 Cup Miami, yacht 17, fleet racing championship, winner
2004-07: Louis Vuitton Cup, Luna Rossa Challenge, coach and helmsman, finalist
2004: Star World Championship, 4th place
Star European Championship, 3rd place
Match Racing World Championship, bronze medal
2003-04: Louis Vuitton Cup, Areva Challenge, afterguard, 8th place
2000: Soling World Championship, runner-up
1996: Finn Gold Cup, champion
1993: Finn Gold Cup, champion