America’s Cup: Fail, time, pests, cards

The remaining two challengers for the America’s Cup are working toward the Prada Cup Final when a best of thirteen race series on February 13-22 will determine whether INEOS Team UK (GBR) or Luna Rossa (ITA) meet the Kiwi defender in the 36th Match.

Here are some of the updates:

• There is something that’s as important to an America’s Cup campaign as its million-dollar budgets, its cutting-edge technology, and its rock star sailors; that is leadership. A lot of early decisions were made on how to sail the AC75, and in this opinion piece by Cup veteran Carl Whiting, he details why USA got it all wrong and how it is now a test of leadership for the other teams to keep their course and come out the other side victorious. – Full report

• With the extra time afforded Emirates Team New Zealand and INEOS Team UK to prepare their boats, and given how progressing up the performance curve for the AC75 remains steep, it was theorized that these teams had the advantage. But after American Magic helm Dean Barker got so thoroughly beaten by the Italians in the challenger series, he considers now that knowing how to race matters too. – Full report

• Not only has New Zealand closed its borders to combat COVID-19, they are now patrolling their islands to keep them pest free. The Hauraki Gulf has 47 pest-free islands which are home to threatened native species, and with the potential risk of America’s Cup spectators bringing along critters in their boats and baggage, there are now teams of dog handlers to sniff out trouble. – Full report

• If a competitor incurs a measurement rule violation, they receive a yellow card, and just like in soccer, it’s a warning not to get a second one. The Italians already caught INEOS Team UK out once with technical protest and another one earns the Brits a race disqualification. – Full report

The PRADA Cup is a series of four round robins (Jan. 15-17 and Jan. 22-24), with the winner of the series qualifying for the PRADA Cup Final and the remaining two Challengers going into a Semi-Final Series (Jan. 29-Feb. 2) for the right to join the Round Robin winner in the Final (Feb. 13–22). The winner of the PRADA Cup will then face the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, in the America’s Cup Match beginning March 6.

More information:
• Prada Cup format, standings, and how to watch online: click here.
• Complete America’s Cup coverage: click here
• Additional America’s Cup information: click here