With four days of America's Cup action under Auckland's belt, the city is gearing up to host the next event of the racing cycle starting 15 January: the PRADA Cup Challenger Selection Series, a five week-long racing spectacle to determine who will take on Emirates Team New Zealand in the 36th America's Cup Match in March.  

But the on-water racing is just the start of the excitement in store for Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

Summernova, Auckland Unlimited's summer festival series designed to coincide with the 36th America's Cup, will deliver a stellar line-up of events across the region complemented by annual favourites, including Tāmaki Herenga Waka Festival, Auckland Lantern Festival and more. 

The PRADA Cup Challenger Selection Series  

From 15 January to 22 February, The PRADA Cup will consist of four round robins of three races each, a seven-race Semi-Final series and 13-race Final between the two leading teams. Each win earns one point, with the first to earn seven points in the Final series winning the PRADA Cup and progressing to the Match. 

Further information including the race schedule and how to watch, can be found at americascup.com

December racing saw thousands turn out on-land and on-water, with millions tuning on their screens across New Zealand and the world.

Delivered by the Challenger of Record, the PRADA Cup will offer racing fans the chance to see how New York Yacht Club American Magic, INEOS Team UK and Challenger of Record Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli test the speed and precision of their AC75 yachts without the defender in the ring.   

As Francesco Longanesi Cattani, Challenger of Record 36 Chief Executive Officer Representative and Title Sponsor Liaison explains, the event will show who has what it takes to win the oldest trophy in international sport.

 “To win the America's Cup first you have to win the PRADA Cup; if the first win will be extremely difficult, the latter won't be easy,” says Cattani.

“The three challengers are all very strong. What we learned during the PRADA America's Cup World Series Auckland is that these extremely talented sailors have rapidly become confident in racing their AC75s to offer very exciting, close racing.

All this is very promising, and I believe everybody is looking forward to a Challenger Selection Series that's a close battle to win the PRADA Cup.” 

What's on in Auckland outside of the racing

Summernova will also bring the heat to Auckland this summer, with a stellar line-up of more than 20 events spreading the thrill and vibrancy of the 36th America's Cup throughout the region.

The programme of food and wine festivals, live music, arts and cultural showcases, sporting events and more will help to broaden the event experience and ensure everyone can get in on the action, says Auckland Unlimited General Manager Destination Steve Armitage.

“With an event the size and scale of the 36th America's Cup, our aim has always been to develop an activation programme that goes beyond the on-water action,” says Armitage.

“Summernova does just that – spanning the four-month event period to create opportunities for Aucklanders and overseas visitors alike to take part in the excitement and reconnect with each other after what's been an incredibly challenging year.”