Prada Cup: Change is the constant

The PRADA Cup Challenger Selection Series is now for all the marbles as INEOS Team UK face Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli for the right to face the Defender Emirates Team New Zealand in the America’s Cup. With American Magic eliminated in the semi finals, this final stage is a best of thirteen race series beginning February 13 where the first team to reach seven wins will win the Prada Cup trophy and earn their entry in the 36th Match.

Here are some updates for now:

• Team New Zealand had hoped their Italian friends at Luna Rossa would be a friendly Challenger of Record, but with that relationship now seemingly fractured, the Kiwi team has apparently found an alternative ally in the British team if they defend the Cup. Who knows, this relationship could go both ways if INEOS Team UK win the 36th Match. – Full report

• Previously all umpiring was done on the water with between two and four umpires in boats chasing the action. For the 36th America’s Cup in Auckland alongside two umpire boats there are three umpires in a booth watching the racing on a live feed with data to adjudge protests between the boats and penalties handed out to boats which cross the boundaries. The move to off the water umpiring is a direct response to the increase in speed of the racing. – Full report

• As the cost to compete in the America’s Cup has increased, so has the interest in converting the event into an entertainment property to enhance the marketing opportunities for teams and host. There is an active pursuit on both sides of the equation to improve the reward. – Full report

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