The Prada Cup – the Challenger Selection Series for the 36th America’s Cup - will take place in Auckland (NZ) in January-February 2021. The round robin series will determine which team will compete against the Defender, Emirates New Zealand in the America's Cup Match from 6-21 March 2021.
The concept of a Challenger Selection Series originated in 1970, when for the first time in the history of the America's Cup there was more than one international Challenger vying to race against the Defender for the coveted trophy. Organised by the Challenger of Record, the Prada Cup is the final step on the road to the America's Cup. To win the America's Cup, one must first win the Prada Cup.
THE TROPHY
For its 36th edition the America’s Cup, the oldest trophy in international sport, welcomes presenting sponsor Prada, which has created the latest version of the trophy — the Prada Cup —for this special occasion.
The stunning Prada Cup silver trophy was created by world-renowned designer Marc Newson and handcrafted by the Florentine silversmiths.
The elegant trophy is housed in a luxurious leather trunk designed and handcrafted by Prada for this special occasion. The trunk – inspired by the first luxury steamer trunks produced by the brand – was made and assembled by hand.
The Prada Cup is destined to become a new icon in the world of sailing.
LUNA ROSSA HISTORY
The Luna Rossa team was created in 1997 by Patrizio Bertelli under the name "Prada Challenge for America's Cup 2000.” At its debut the team immediately won the Challenger Selection Series and went on to challenge the Defender for the America's Cup.
Luna Rossa subsequently participated in the 2003, 2007 and 2013 editions of America's Cup, qualifying for the final of the Challenger Selection Series three times out of four disputed America's Cup campaigns.
In 2014, Luna Rossa also launched a challenge for the 35th America's Cup, but following a change in the class rules, decided not to compete in the event.
Team results also include winning the America's Cup World Series in 2012-2013, a preliminary to the 34th America's Cup, victory in the Extreme Sailing Series in 2011, winning in the Middle Sea Race in 2008 and second place in the Fastnet Race 2008.
In 2017, Luna Rossa launched its sixth challenge in the America's Cup, surpassing Sir Thomas Lipton’s historical record of number of challenges. Being the first to launch a challenge against Emirates Team New Zealand (the Defender), in this 36th edition Luna Rossa is also the Challenger of Record, the representative of all the Challengers in the race for the America's Cup.