In a nutshell…

1965–1996: Early Life and Business Foundations

• 1965 – Born in Rome, Italy.

• 1977 – Family acquires biotech company Serono.

• 1980s–90s – Educated at Babson College and Harvard Business School.

• 1996 – Becomes CEO of Serono, expanding its global reach.

2000–2003: Sailing Ambitions Take Shape

• 2000 – Founds the Alinghi sailing team.

• 2002 – Alinghi wins the Louis Vuitton Cup, qualifying for the America’s Cup.

• 2003 – Alinghi wins the America’s Cup in Auckland, New Zealand — the first European team to do so.

2004–2007: Dominance and Defence

• 2004–2006 – Alinghi participates in the newly formed America’s Cup World Series.

• 2007 – Successfully defends the America’s Cup in Valencia, Spain.

2008–2010: Legal Battles and Defeat

• 2009 – Legal disputes erupt between Alinghi and BMW Oracle Racing.

• 2010 – Alinghi loses the 33rd America’s Cup in a multihull race off Valencia.

2011–2015: Shift to Philanthropy and Innovation

• 2011 – Launches Waypoint Capital, an investment group.

• 2012 – Launches Vava II, one of the largest private yachts ever built in the UK.

• 2014 – The Bertarelli Foundation helps establish marine reserves around Easter Island.

2016–Present: Marine Conservation and Legacy

• 2016 – Partners with the Pew Charitable Trusts for ocean protection programs.

• 2020–2024 – Continues to fund large-scale marine protected areas in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

• 2023 – Sponsored programs for youth sailing and ocean science in Switzerland and abroad.

Marine Philanthropy Highlights

Ernesto Bertarelli has channelled his love for the sea into significant conservation efforts:

1. Bertarelli Foundation Initiatives

• Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Helped protect millions of square kilometres of ocean in regions like:

  • The Chagos Archipelago

  • Easter Island

  • Pitcairn Islands

  • Seychelles

• Ocean Science Grants: Supports research in oceanography, coral reef ecology, and marine biodiversity.

• Partnerships: Works with Harvard, EPFL (Lausanne), and the Pew Trusts to advance marine science.

2. Education and Awareness

• Swiss Sailing Programs: Funds youth sailing education to inspire the next generation.

• Ocean Literacy Campaigns: Promotes public understanding of ocean issues through exhibitions and media.

3. Advocacy and Policy

• International Policy Influence: Advocates for ocean protection policies at the UN and global environmental summits.

• Blue Economy: Encourages the sustainable use of ocean resources in developing nations.

In detail…

Early Life and Background
Ernesto Bertarelli was born on September 22, 1965, in Rome, Italy, to a wealthy Italian family. His early years were shaped by international experiences, as the family later moved to Switzerland, where he would spend most of his life. Bertarelli attended Babson College in the United States, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, and later received an MBA from Harvard Business School.

His family’s wealth was primarily derived from the biotechnology company Serono, which his father, Fabio Bertarelli, acquired in 1977. Under Ernesto’s leadership in the 1990s, Serono became one of the world’s largest biotech companies, particularly known for its infertility treatments. In 2007, the company was sold to Merck KGaA of Germany for $13.3 billion, making the Bertarelli family one of the richest in Switzerland.

Transition to Philanthropy and Investment
Following the sale of Serono, Bertarelli diversified his interests by forming the family’s investment vehicle, Waypoint Capital, which holds investments in finance, life sciences, and real estate. Alongside his sister, Dona Bertarelli, he also established the Bertarelli Foundation, a philanthropic organisation that supports marine conservation, neuroscience research, and life science innovation.

A Lifelong Passion for the Sea
Despite his business success, sailing has always been Bertarelli’s enduring passion. Growing up in a family that loved the ocean, Ernesto was introduced to sailing at a young age. His connection with the sea would evolve from a personal interest into a high-profile pursuit that placed him on the world stage.

In the 1990s, Bertarelli became increasingly involved in competitive sailing. He founded the Alinghi sailing team in 2000, named after a family pet. Alinghi quickly rose to prominence in the elite world of yacht racing.

“Winning the America’s Cup was not just a victory in sailing; it was a victory for a country that has no ocean but an unshakable will.”
— Ernesto Bertarelli

Ernesto Bertarelli’s most significant contribution to sailing was his role as the driving force behind Alinghi’s America’s Cup campaigns. In 2003, he made history when Alinghi became the first European team to win the America’s Cup, the world’s oldest and most prestigious sailing competition. The victory over Team New Zealand in Auckland was monumental—not only was it a stunning upset, but it also marked the first time a landlocked country (Switzerland) had taken the Cup.

In 2007, Alinghi successfully defended the title in Valencia, Spain, again defeating Team New Zealand. Bertarelli served not only as the team’s backer but also as a crew member, typically sailing as navigator or afterguard. He brought a scientific and tactical approach to the sport, merging his business acumen with a deep understanding of teamwork, technology, and performance.

These victories had significant ripple effects on both Swiss national pride and European sailing. The America’s Cup had traditionally been dominated by Anglo-Saxon nations, and Bertarelli’s win disrupted this status quo.

Controversy and Legal Disputes
The 2010 America’s Cup, however, became a more contentious affair. Alinghi faced off against BMW Oracle Racing, led by American software billionaire Larry Ellison. The event was marred by legal disputes over the rules and format of the competition. Ultimately, Alinghi was defeated in a one-on-one Deed of Gift match raced in giant multihulls. Although it was a bitter loss, it underscored how much the competition had evolved into a clash of billionaire titans and cutting-edge design.

Beyond the Cup: A Lifelong Mariner
While the America’s Cup was the apex of his sailing profile, Bertarelli’s love for the sea is not confined to high-stakes competition. He is an avid sailor, experienced in both monohulls and multihulls, and owns several yachts, including the superyacht Vava II, launched in 2012. Designed with advanced engineering and luxury, the yacht reflects his dual interest in technology and the maritime lifestyle.

“In Ernesto, you find a competitor with the mind of a CEO and the soul of a sailor.”
— Russell Coutts, Alinghi skipper

Bertarelli continues to support sailing development, including youth and amateur sailing programs, particularly in Switzerland. Through the Bertarelli Foundation, he has also invested in marine conservation efforts, including the establishment of marine reserves and the study of oceanic ecosystems, underscoring his deep commitment to the sea.

Legacy and Personal Life
Ernesto Bertarelli’s legacy is multifaceted: a visionary biotech entrepreneur, a generous philanthropist, and a transformative figure in modern sailing. He has shown how passion can intersect with ambition and intellect to yield extraordinary results.

He has three children and resides in Switzerland. Though often private about his personal life, he remains an influential figure in the worlds of business and sailing. His story has inspired many, particularly in Switzerland, where he is a national hero not only for his business achievements but also for showing that even a landlocked country can conquer the seas.

“Technology and nature are not opposing forces. In sailing, you must use one to understand the other.”
— Ernesto Bertarelli