Prada Cup returns to the race course

Auckland, New Zealand (February 18, 2021) – The Prada Cup Challenger Selection Series Finals get underway again on February 20 for Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli and INEOS Team UK.

After the competition to select the America’s Cup challenger held four races, all won by the Luna Rossa team, the Finals have been on hold after the discovery of several unexplained coronavirus cases in Auckland caused the government to lockdown the city.

New Zealand has a 4-level COVID-19 Alert System with each Alert Level defining what measures are taken. Racing was paused during Level 3, but with the order changed to Level 2 on February 17 at midnight, it was deemed possible to continue the series.

Thus, the competition will resume with Race 5 and 6 race from 4:00pm local time (weather permitting) and two races a day will follow until one competitor gets to 7 points to win the Prada Cup. If further delay occurs, the winner will be the team with the most wins following all reserve days on February 24.

Due to the Alert Level 2 restrictions, the use of Race courses B & C, which are positioned near land, will not be used to mitigate the chance of large public gatherings on shore. Additionally, the public screening of racing in the race village is halted until there’s a return to Level 1.

Prada Cup Final Scoreboard (wins-losses)
INEOS Team UK (GBR): 0-4
Luna Rossa (ITA): 4-0

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 Final earns entry to 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