On route for the Cup

Prada Cup – Auckland –15^th January- 24^th February

After the America’s Cup World Series (ACWS) last December in Auckland, won by Emirates Team New Zealand, the America’s Cup starts in earnest on Friday 15^th January with the Prada Cup Challenger Selection Series.

The Prada Cup runs until 24^th February 2021 on the 75ft monohull AC-75s and decides which of the three Challengers – Luna Rossa (Italy), Ineos Team UK and American Magic – will face the Defender Team New Zealand for the 36^th America’s Cup which starts 6^th March.

Yacht Club de Monaco is proud to be represented at this the world’s oldest sports trophy through its members: Patrizio Bertelli (CEO Prada Group) and Sir James Arthur Ratcliffe (CEO Ineos Team UK), while Matteo de Nora, Managing Director of Emirates Team New Zealand is also on the YCM’s Management Committee.

It was Emirates Team New Zealand who won the America’s Cup World Series (ACWS).

A busy schedule

The Prada Cup comprises four round robins of three races each, a seven-race semi-final and a grand finale of 13 races between the two leading teams. Every victory gains a point. The highest ranked Challenger automatically qualifies for the Prada Cup final. The other two teams go into a seven-race semi-final with the first to reach four points qualifying for the Prada Cup final.

All levels

American Magic is the big favourite for the Prada Cup after an impressive display in the December World Series when they were the only ones to beat Team New Zealand in an official race. Luna Rossa is also one to watch, boosted by all their experience with the format. And while the Brits on Ineos Team UK did not win in the World Series they have made a good impression during practice races recently.