From December 2020 until March 2021, four teams of the world’s best sailors will race the world’s fastest and most technologically advanced yachts as they compete to win the oldest trophy in international sport, America’s Cup.
This year, Auckland, New Zealand, known as the “City of Sails”, will provide a spectacular backdrop to the racing. As an island nation, New Zealand holds a long and proud history on the water. Never far from the coastline, Kiwis have a strong connection with the ocean, and it is an integral part of their lives. This is the moment to show the best of New Zealand by uncovering the depth and breadth of the stories that make this event possible in a time like this.
The 36th America’s Cup will be completed in an entirely new class of foiling monohull, the AC75, and will also hold a new title sponsor, PRADA. December 17th saw the launch of four months of sailing, with a series of Defender and Challenger races, which will continue on into the new year. The winner of the PRADA World Cup will go on to meet the Kiwi Defender in the final series of challenges for the PRADA 36th America’s Cup. The first to win seven races secures the Auld Mug and the right to Defend the 37th America’s Cup. With a vision of exciting sailing that is open and accessible to all, New Zealand is aiming to make this 36th edition the most-watched America’s Cup in history.
History of the Race & Fast Facts:
- The America’s Cup was first contested in 1851 making it the oldest trophy in international sport, predating the modern Olympic Games by 45 years
- The trophy is nicknamed the “Auld Mug”. The winner of the America’s Cup becomes the trustee of the competition and is known as the Defender. The current Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, won the 35th America’s Cup in Bermuda in 2017
- Auckland, New Zealand is no stranger to hosting the America’s Cup, going through the same preparations for the defence with Team New Zealand in both 2000 and 2003. Auckland is also known as the “city of sails” with more boats per capita than anywhere else in the world
- New Zealand has nearly 16,000 km (10,000 miles) of coastline so nowhere is far from the sea
- There are more than 120 affiliated yacht clubs in New Zealand – and more than 300,000 members in a country with a population of 4.8 million people
How to watch The 36th America’s Cup events live from Auckland:
- Watch the live events online, on television and on social media from anywhere in the world
- Find out how to watch the live events from anywhere in the world, with this global time viewing map
- Watch live in over 100 countries on YouTube, Facebook and the official America’s Cup website
*Please note that America’s Cup is proceeding in 2021, despite COVID-19. All international teams completed a 14-day quarantine upon arriving in New Zealand and will be abiding by all local guidelines and restrictions throughout the competition.
