Prada's Second Son Was a Professional Sailor! He Says: 'I Basically Stayed Incognito on the Team'

Italian luxury group Prada President Patrizio Bertelli recently confirmed in an interview with foreign media that his eldest son, Lorenzo Bertelli, will succeed him as CEO of the group. However, less known is that the Prada group's leaders, Patrizio Bertelli and Miuccia Prada, have another younger son who has not ventured into the family business: Giulio Bertelli.

Giulio Bertelli describes himself as "extremely introverted," and he is better known as a professional sailor.

Born in 1990, Giulio Bertelli started sailing at the age of 10. He chose sailing largely because of his interest in hands-on work, and his other great passion is flying airplanes.

Above: Giulio Bertelli

He graduated from one of the world's most prestigious and influential architecture schools, the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London. During his university studies, he decided to enter the sailing world more professionally and began working at various shipyards to gain experience.

In 2013, Giulio Bertelli joined the Luna Rossa sailing team as a technical engineer, involved in the design of foiling sailboats and the development of software and hardware for controlling the foils. He also participated in the 34th and 36th America's Cup with the team.

The Luna Rossa sailing team was founded by Giulio Bertelli's father, Patrizio Bertelli, in 1997. Patrizio is also passionate about sailing and has been involved in the sport since the 1970s.

Above: Luna Rossa AC75 foiling sailboat, co-designed by Giulio Bertelli

However, he once stated in an interview with Italian magazine Sportweek that his joining Luna Rossa had nothing to do with his family, nor was it for fame. He still does not have any social media accounts.

Besides Luna Rossa, Giulio Bertelli has also sailed for Oman Sail, the Maserati sailing team, the Dutch AkzoNobel sailing team, and the Biotherm sailing team, competing in events such as the Ocean Record, the Ocean Race, and the European Ocean Race.

"On the team, I basically stayed incognito and didn't want anyone to know. I think my father is satisfied with my choice. One day I will accept my surname." he once said.

In July 2023, the Luna Rossa sailing team was awarded the "Gold Medals for Athletic Valour" by the Italian Olympic Committee, and Giulio Bertelli was honored along with the crew.

Above: Giulio Bertelli (second from left) and his father Patrizio Bertelli (second from right) receiving the "Gold Medals for Athletic Valour" award

After that, Giulio Bertelli gradually stepped away from competitive sailing and shifted to the film industry.

At the recent 82nd Venice Film Festival, Giulio Bertelli presented his directorial debut Agon (Greek for conflict, struggle) in the International Critics' Week competition section.

| Sources: Italian website Sportweek, lastampa, liguriasport, Vanity Fair

| Image sources: English websites sailworldcruising, the ocean race

| Editor: Esther