America's Cup 2021: The importance of off-board sailors to the America's Cup campaign

Throughout the America's Cup campaign, it's the performance of the sailors on board that take the primary focus of external eyes.

However, internally, it's the presence of sailors who don't take a spot on the boat that can make all the difference.

Shannon Falcone falls into that category for Luna Rossa, with Falcone's primary focus for Luna Rossa's Prada Cup final campaign being to make sure "the vibe is right."

Falcone is a well-sailed America's Cup and Ocean Race veteran, and has experienced the highs and lows of the sport. But while he has been onboard in racing in the past – including during his time with Oracle Team USA – in 2021, his role takes on responsibilities to help manage the morale of the team and block out the noise.

"Italians can be very passionate and emotional involved in yachting and results," Falcone explained.

"So, as someone that comes from a slightly different background, one of my jobs is to really keep that calm, cool and collected sort of ambience, because that's really important for the race team when we tie up alongside. Depending whether results have gone for or against you, you just need to reset and focus on the next race.

"Coming alongside and having the right sort of vibe on the support boats is really important. So that's my goal and my focus."

While helping to keep the team's focus where it should be, the sailors off the boat also provide vital insights into racing and how the team and boat are performing, getting to see things from a different viewpoint.

Luna Rossa helmsman Francesco Bruni said that information, relayed to the crew onboard between races or in debrief sessions, was vital to the campaign.

"There is a lot of cheering in Italy and we know that a lot of people are staying awake all night following the races. So, it's important to not think too much about that and just focus on the race," Bruni said.

"The guys that are not in the boat are almost more valuable than the guy on the boat, because they prepare the package; they prepare the whole deal for us and if we don't have that good preparation, we're not going to win races. They're doing a fantastic job."