Prada America's Cup World Series and Prada Christmas Race: a long week end of sailing at top speed
by Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team 1 Jan 2021 02:21 PST
15 January - 26 February 2021
Prada America's Cup World Series - Christmas Race 2020 © Stefano Gattini
After over two years of waiting, on 17th December the AC75 yachts finally lined up on the racecourse. The show was unique, packed with moments of suspense and intense match racing action.
With all twelve races completed, the PRADA America's Cup World Series closes with a third place for the team. Three wins and three losses the AC75 Luna Rossa ranks third overall, behind the winner Emirates Team New Zealand, followed by American Magic in second place. No result instead for the Christmas race, abandoned for lack of wind.
The long weekend closes with a positive outcome. The racing, in a wide range of wind conditions, allowed the team to test the boat's performance and assess the next steps in preparation for the upcoming PRADA Cup to be held from January 15th to February 26th.
Relive the races here
Rules of the Game
The America's Cup is a competition of sports and technology that, right from the start, has been founded on a set of rules, sometimes quite intricate, often referring to dated documents or to complex Protocols made up of infinite articles.
The boats are designed and built to comply with very specific regulations: the Class Rules.
In March of 2018 the AC75 Class Rule was published. With its 35 articles, the document regulates various aspects, from hull measurements to sails, permitted materials and crew weight in order to guarantee a fair competition, but at the same time allow space for technological innovation.
On the water what counts are the sailing rules. The starting procedures are governed by the Racing Rules of Sailing America's Cup. In other words, the usual racing rules, issued by World Sailing, are adapted to the speeds and characteristics of the new flying monohulls.
Restrictions also apply to the crew on board. The maximum weight allowed for sailors on board is 990 kg and their equipment, including life jackets and safety devices, cannot weigh more than 5 kg.
Watch the video below
Virtual Reality: a 360 degree journey
Deep dive into a 360-degree view of our daily life. Sit back, and let that amazing feeling of power and speed hit you as the boat flies on the water at 50 knots.
Watch the video:
Happy New Year
It's been a remarkable year with events which deeply affect our lives. The 2021 is waiting for us with great challenges. We wold like to thank our sponsor, partner and fans for their warm support.
Save the date - PRADA Cup
The challenges onboard AC75 get back. The PRADA Cup begins on 15 January. The Challenge Selection Series will decree the winner who will compete in the Final Match of 36^ America's Cup presented by PRADA against Emirates Team New Zealand. It's four round-robins where the three teams take part. The challenger with the highest score will go straight to the PRADA Cup final; the other two will sail a repechage to enter the Final.
Don't miss the action and download the calendar.