• Media ID-7518

    THE 36TH AMERICA’S CUP

    After a spectacular win of Emirates Team New Zealand in Bermuda in 2017, the Cup had returned to the “City of Sails”: Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

    From late 2020 until March 2021, it was all about the newly developed AC75s lining up in front of the Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland skyline. The monohulls featured highly-developed foil systems that promised never-before-seen speeds. Coupled with the latest designs for sails and hulls, and packed with cutting-edge technologies, these “flying” sailboats stunned the world.

    Three Challengers signed up for a chance to win the intense Challenger Selection Series and eventually meet Emirates Team New Zealand in a highly anticipated Match in March 2021. What has been a challenging year of preparation for all teams – the global pandemic starting in 2020 was still very much present – has been made up with even more determination and resilience.

  • Media ID-7519

    THE HOST VENUE
    TĀMAKI MAKAURAU AUCKLAND

    Having hosted the America’s Cup in 2000 and 2003, the 36th America’s Cup marked the third time the competition was held on the waters of Aotearoa New Zealand. With its emerald green waters and the lush green hills and volcanoes as a backdrop, the Waitematā Harbour is a spectacular arena for the America's Cup.

    All team bases were located around Auckland’s Viaduct neighbourhood, which allowed close access for fans and spectators. Different racecourses were set up to harness the winds of the Hauraki Gulf and provide fantastic viewing opportunities for visitors and residents alike.

  • Media ID-7522

    THE TEAMS
    3 CHALLENGERS FACING A NEW DEFENDER

    Emirates Team New Zealand regained the ‘Auld Mug’ in Bermuda in 2017, making it New Zealand’s third win of the coveted trophy. Winning the Cup is one thing–defending another.

    Three Challengers have eventually signed up to race for a chance to win the Cup for their respective countries and yacht clubs: Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli (Italy) as the official Challenger of Record, INEOS Team UK (United Kingdom), and NYYC American Magic (USA).

  • Media ID-7520

    AMERICA'S CUP WORLD SERIES
    AUCKLAND

    The America’s Cup World Series events were shortened to only host the Auckland regatta on 17–19 December 2020. For the first time, the world would experience the newest class of America’s Cup boats in action: the AC75.

    With great anticipation, the regatta was held just before Christmas, not only giving an early indication of what was to come in the 36th America’s Cup but also for all teams to gain valuable experience.

    The Double Round Robin event saw Emirates Team New Zealand on top (5pts), followed by American Magic (4pts), Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli (3pts), and INEOS Team UK (0pts).

CHALLENGER SELECTION SERIES
THE PATHWAY TO THE CUP.

  • ROUND ROBINS
    15–23 JANUARY 2021

    Three Round Robins stages were held to determine a table leader who would advance directly to the Final of the Challenger Selection Series.

    The remaining two teams would sail against each other in a best-of-7 Semi-Final, eventually eliminating the first team from the competition.

  • SEMI-FINAL
    29 & 30 JANUARY 2021

    At the end of the Round Robins, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli and American Magic were in second and third place–tasking them with a best-of-7 Semi-Final.

    To win this stage, the first to win 4 races advanced to the Final stage – meeting INEOS Team UK in the fight to win the Challenger Selection Series.

  • FINAL
    13–21 FEBRUARY 2021

    INEOS Team UK was already waiting for the winner of the Challenger Selection Series: Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli.

    The two remaining teams went boat-to-boat again to determine the winner of the event and official Challenger of the 36th America’s Cup. The first to score 7 points will eventually face Emirates Team New Zealand in the all-deciding 36th America’s Cup Match.

     

  • Media ID-7521

    THE 36TH AMERICA’S CUP
    THE MATCH

    From 10 to 17 March 2021 the Defender Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, the winner of the Challenger Selection Series, met in a 13-race Match.

    While the Italians have gained valuable experience throughout the competition, Emirates Team New Zealand have acquired confidence in the boat handling and teamwork through diligent training on the Waitematā. Both teams were eager to get racing and find out who would be the winner of the 36th, and therefore, the Defender of the 37th America’s Cup.

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