Following Luna Rossa's withdrawal, the team lent resources and key personnel to Emirates Team New Zealand in their effort to win the Cup against current defender Oracle Team USA. Most notably, Luna Rossa skipper and team director Max Sirena joined the kiwi team in a management role. As soon as Emirates Team New Zealand won the 35th America's Cup on 26 June 2017, Luna Rossa challenged the kiwi team on behalf of the Circolo della Vela Sicilia and became the Challenger of Record for the 36th America's Cup.