36th america's cup prada | America's Cup last leg

The 36th America's Cup, presented by PRADA, concluded in March 2021 with a resounding victory for Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ). The Kiwis, defending the coveted Auld Mug on their home waters of Auckland, New Zealand, delivered a masterclass in sailing prowess and technological innovation, ultimately defeating the challenger, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, in a compelling and closely fought series. This edition of the America's Cup was more than just a sailing competition; it was a showcase of cutting-edge design, engineering, and teamwork, captivating audiences worldwide and solidifying the America's Cup's position as the pinnacle of competitive sailing.

A Dramatic Finale: Day 7 Seals the Deal

The tension was palpable on Day 7 of the regatta. Thousands of spectators lined the shores of Auckland's Waitematā Harbour, eager to witness history unfold. Emirates Team New Zealand, leading the series 6-3, needed just one more victory to retain the America's Cup. Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, backed by the passionate support of their Italian fans, were determined to extend the competition and keep their hopes alive.

The race began with a tight start, both teams vying for the advantageous position. The AC75 foiling monohulls, the revolutionary boats designed specifically for this edition of the Cup, danced across the water, their massive wingsails billowing in the breeze. The speed and agility of these vessels were breathtaking, a testament to the ingenuity of the designers and the skill of the sailors.

Throughout the race, the lead changed hands several times, with both teams executing flawless maneuvers and pushing their boats to the limit. The tactical battle was intense, with the afterguards constantly analyzing the wind shifts and making split-second decisions.

In the end, Emirates Team New Zealand proved to be the stronger team, demonstrating superior boat speed and tactical acumen. They crossed the finish line ahead of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, securing their seventh point and claiming victory in the 36th America's Cup. The atmosphere erupted in jubilation as the Kiwis raised the Auld Mug, celebrating their hard-fought triumph in front of their home crowd.

The AC75: A Revolution in Sailing

The 36th America's Cup was defined by the AC75, a revolutionary class of foiling monohulls. These boats were unlike anything seen before in the history of the Cup, combining the speed of a multihull with the stability of a monohull. The AC75s were designed to foil – lift out of the water on hydrofoils – allowing them to achieve incredible speeds, exceeding 50 knots in optimal conditions.

The design of the AC75 presented significant challenges for the teams. They had to optimize the hull shape for both displacement sailing and foiling, develop sophisticated foil control systems, and design powerful and efficient wingsails. The teams invested heavily in research and development, using advanced computer simulations and wind tunnel testing to refine their designs.

The result was a fleet of boats that were not only incredibly fast but also incredibly complex. The sailors had to master a wide range of skills, including boat handling, foil control, and tactical decision-making. The AC75s demanded a high level of athleticism and coordination, pushing the sailors to their physical and mental limits.

The Teams: A Clash of Cultures and Expertise

The 36th America's Cup featured two world-class teams: Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. Both teams were composed of highly skilled sailors, designers, and engineers, each with a rich history in the America's Cup.

* Emirates Team New Zealand: The defending champions, ETNZ, were led by Peter Burling, one of the most accomplished sailors of his generation. The team had a strong Kiwi core, complemented by international talent. ETNZ's design team, led by Dan Bernasconi, was renowned for its innovation and attention to detail. Their AC75, "Te Rehutai," was widely regarded as the fastest and most technologically advanced boat in the fleet.

* Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli: The Italian challenger, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, was backed by the luxury fashion house Prada and the tire manufacturer Pirelli. The team was led by Max Sirena, a veteran of multiple America's Cup campaigns. Luna Rossa's design team, led by Horacio Carabelli, focused on developing a reliable and versatile boat. Their AC75, "Luna Rossa," was known for its consistent performance in a wide range of conditions.

The rivalry between ETNZ and Luna Rossa was intense, both on and off the water. The teams pushed each other to the limit, constantly innovating and refining their designs. The competition was a testament to the dedication and passion of the sailors and engineers involved.

The Venue: Auckland's Waitematā Harbour

Auckland's Waitematā Harbour provided a spectacular backdrop for the 36th America's Cup. The harbour is known for its challenging conditions, with variable winds and strong currents. The racecourses were carefully selected to provide a fair and exciting competition for the teams.36th america's cup prada

The event attracted thousands of spectators to Auckland, boosting the local economy and showcasing the city's natural beauty. The America's Cup was a major event for New Zealand, bringing the country together in support of their team.

Beyond the Racing: Innovation and Sustainability