Ornella Muti: "Right now we're broken hearted but still supporting Alinghi"
The Italian actress returns to Valencia to experience the excitement of the America’s Cup final. A sailing fan since she was a child, she hopes Alinghi will keep the Cup and be able to repeat the experience in Europe.
Ornella Muti was in the city a few days ago to attend the America’s Cup Match party at the ‘Tabacalera’ building. Beautiful in a red dress that evening, seen on the terrace of the Foredeck she is no less so, and is the centre of attention among numerous admirers. At the age of 52 she is simply stunning, especially when you consider that she has been a grandmother for a decade.
How long have you been a sailing fan? Is it anything to do with your father being from Naples?
(Laughing) I’m a true Mediterranean and a real sailor. I love the sea, in fact I would love to live on the sea, and so when I visit a city on the coast I’m happy. My love of sailing has grown especially with my current partner, who has been a huge influence, but the Italians have always loved it. In the last Cup I followed it all on television. We would get up at 4 in the morning to see each match, although I did nod off from time to time on the sofa! At home we have always watched sailing and since Alinghi won and we knew it was coming to Europe, we have been really excited to follow it. Seeing the sailing live is absolutely fantastic and although we saw the Semi Finals on the television we didn’t have to get up in the middle of the night to do so.
You were invited to the opening ceremony of the Mostra de Cine de Valencia in 2002. What do you think of Valencia five years later?
Yes, it’s really changed. I came last week from Italy for work, but got back last night to continue our holidays in Valencia. I have really enjoyed walking along the wide Avenida de Francia, visiting the Corte Inglés….the light is wonderful! And discovering all the new architecture - the immense buildings, the Palau de les Arts is absolutely sublime. And at Port America’s Cup the transformation has been incredible, and the new canal for the boats. It’s fabulous.
Who is your favourite team in the 32nd America’s Cup?
I was obviously with the Italians – Luna Rossa, Mascalzone Latino and +39….Its hard to be with just one when you see just how much work goes into it all. Each team has its story and reason for being there, like the legendary Shosholoza or New Zealand. All the teams have an Italian on board - they are true sailing artists. Right now we’re broken hearted but still supporting Alinghi. They have a lot of Italians with them and I would love the Cup to stay in Europe. It would be a shame for it to leave Spain, they have done such a fantastic job here. We’ll see what happens.
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