The challenge is launched through the Yacht Club Italiano, the oldest sailing club in the Mediterranean, established in 1879 in Genoa, Italy. The two partners in Luna Rossa Challenge 2007 are the Prada Group and the Telecom Italia Group. In February 2004, the Luna Rossa Team is the first to set up its base in Valencia, where it starts training in May with ITA 74 and ITA 80. While the original historic core of the Team remains, new top level talents are included in all departments. Innovative technology is also introduced. The Team Luna Rossa Challenge 2007 (sailing team, design team, shore team, weather team, performance team, boat builders, sail loft, logistics, administration and management) now includes about 150 people from 18 different countries.