The 36th edition of the PRADA America’s Cup, held in Auckland, New Zealand, came to a thrilling end on March 17, 2021. The competition was between two teams – Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. After months of intense racing, the winner of the PRADA America’s Cup was Emirates Team New Zealand.
The Road to Victory
The road to victory for Emirates Team New Zealand started in December 2020 with a series of races known as the Prada America’s Cup World Series. In this series, four teams participated – Emirates Team New Zealand, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, American Magic, and INEOS TEAM UK. After three days of intense racing in Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour, Emirates Team New Zealand finished at the top with six wins.
The Prada Cup
The next stage was the Prada Cup – a challenger series that determined which team would face off against Emirates Team New Zealand in the America’s Cup match. The Prada Cup featured three teams – INEOS TEAM UK, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli and American Magic.
After several weeks of racing in January and February 2021, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli emerged as the winner of the Prada Cup final. They defeated INEOS TEAM UK by 7-1 in a best-of-13 race series.
The America’s Cup Match
The America’s Cup match between Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli took place from March 10-17, 2021. The first team to win seven races would be declared the winner.
Emirates Team New Zealand got off to a great start by winning four out of the first five races. However, Luna Rossa fought back by winning two races in a row.
In the end, Emirates Team New Zealand proved too strong for Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. They won the final race by 46 seconds to clinch the America’s Cup for the fourth time in their history.
Conclusion
Emirates Team New Zealand displayed world-class sailing skills and teamwork throughout the PRADA America’s Cup. They were a worthy winner of this prestigious competition. On behalf of all sailing fans around the world, we congratulate them on their victory!