America's Cup: First World Series event announced for Italy
by Prada/Sail-World.com/nz 29 Nov 2018 12:34 PST
Lorenzo and Patrizio Bertelli at the Prada Cup Launch at Yacht Club Monaco © Prada Cup
Over 200 guests from the America’s Cup community from around the world gathered at the Yacht Club de Monaco on Thursday evening to celebrate the launch of the Prada Cup – the Challenger Selection Series for the 36th America's Cup presented by Prada.
The Prada Cup will commence in January 2021 in Auckland and see the Challenger teams race in a round robin format to determine which Challenger will line up against the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, in the quest for oldest trophy in sport, the America's Cup from March 6-21, 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.
Patrizio Bertelli, Chairman of Luna Rossa Challenge and CEO of the Prada Group unveiled the stunning, silver Prada Cup trophy created by world renowned designer Marc Newson (AUS). Handcrafted by Florentine silversmiths, the Prada Cup is destined become a new icon in the sport of sailing.
As the entry period draws to a close tomorrow, the America's Cup teams are focused on designing and building their AC75s, 75 foot flying monohulls, which will hit the water in spring 2019.
A statement is normally issued by the Defender, in this case the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron as to how many Challenges have been received. Any new Challenges are expected to be subject to a vetting process which could run up to Christmas, with the formal challenge announcement being made at a timing and venue/means decided by the team.
America's Cup World Series Sardegna – October 2019
The first opportunity for all of the teams to race, and for spectators to see these amazing boats, will be at the first America's Cup World Series event which will take place in Cagliari, Sardinia in October 2019.
The announcement of the first America's Cup World Series marks an important milestone for this edition of the America's Cup and was welcomed by the Challenger teams.
“It is a great pleasure for Sardinia to host the first America’s Cup World Series. We have a long maritime history, as well as in sport. We look forward to welcoming the teams and sailing fans from all over the world to Sardinia in October 2019,” said Barbara Argiolas, Tourism Councilor for the Regione Autonoma di Sardegna.
“The first America's Cup World Series event is the first opportunity for the Challenger teams and Defender to line up against each other. We are confident that Cagliari will offer excellent racing conditions and that the Sardinian hospitality will make it a very memorable event,” said Laurent Esquier, CEO of the Challenger of Record for the 36th America’s Cup.
There was no mention of the venue for the second America's Cup World Series event - which is currently an option, as was the first, under the Protocol to be sailed in 2019. The venue is also expected to be an Italian city. ACWS events in 2019 are not required to be announced until March 2019.
Marking the occasion as a new event partner was Maison Mumm which returns to the America's Cup after 35 years as Official Champagne Partner.
An Innovative Approach to Broadcast and Race Management
Technology and innovation have always been an integral part of the America's Cup and this edition is no exception. For the 36th America's Cup, Circle-O has been appointed as the host broadcast production partner and to develop the race management system. A joint venture between Riedel Communications (GER) and West4Media (AUT), the team from Circle-O are renowned for their work in Formula One, German Touring Cars and the Red Bull Air Race combined with America’s Cup broadcasting veterans ARL. New Zealand's Animation Research Limited, the company behind Virtual Eye and Igtimi are an integral part of the Circle-O joint venture and will deliver the graphics and tracking solutions.