Your Complete Guide to The 2021 America’s Cup
The America’s Cup is an international sailing race that features state-of-the-art nautical vessels and daring ocean action and breathtaking engineering. The host harbor varies from Cup to Cup but the competition itself always brings with it world-class sporting crews and a fun, sophisticated crowd of spectators. This year it will be held in Auckland, New Zealand, and it truly is an unmissable event that will sweep you up in the whirlwind of global sailing and yachting.
Lets Start with the Basics
- The 36th America’s Cup runs from Saturday, March 6 – Sunday March 21, 2021*
- Location: Waitemata Harbour, New Zealand
- Teams in the Finals: The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (Defender club) on the Te Rehutai yacht VS the winner of the Prada Cup (Challenger club) on a TBD yacht
*At the time of writing on February 17, 2021, the Prada Cup – which determines the challenger in the America’s Cup race – had been temporarily postponed due to a Covid-19 outbreak. There was no current plan to postpone the Finals at this time, but it is possible this race could be pushed back. Please continue to check for updates.
What Is The America’s Cup Yacht Race?
The America’s Cup is one of the longest running sporting events on the globe as well as home to the oldest international sporting trophy. The first “Cup” was called the R.Y.S. £100 Cup and was awarded in 1851 by the Royal Yacht Squadron for a race in the United Kingdom around the Isle of Wight. After the winning yacht was donated to the New York Yacht Club, the trophy was renamed the America’s Cup, and the tradition began in earnest.
The competition takes place between one defending yacht/yacht club and one challenger yacht/yacht club, and the competition is fierce, hardcore and quite expensive. It’s not uncommon for clubs to spend upwards of $US100 million on the vessel, crew, sponsorships, travel and more. There have been numerous regulation variations as the decades go by allowing for lighter and smaller craft to compete in the race, but lately the main yachts competing are AC75 high performance monohulled hydrofoil crafts that reach speeds of 50 knots during competition.
The Prada Cup
The Prada Cup is the named for the qualifying events leading up to the main America’s Cup race. There are three teams vying to land this Cup and advance on: American Magic, INEOS Team UK and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli.
The winner of the Prada Cup will challenge the New Zealand team who won back the Cup in 2017. Underway since mid-January 2021, you can find these Prada Cup events in Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf – there are six courses in five different zones here with awesome views from land for the spectators. The semifinals will go into February, and the finals are slated to begin on March 6.
Coming to Auckland for the Cup
Without a doubt the most exciting way to be a part of the America’s Cup tradition is to see it live from the waterfront. Not only are you amongst the spray and the bustle with the fun-loving, international crowds that follow the Cup, there are numerous viewing areas during race heats that show the action on large screens via countless camera positions, and they really put you in the action. There are also a lot of high-tech and cool interactive events happening if you can’t get enough of the yachting experience and all things New Zealand:
- City Centre Exploration – the America’s Cup village is an ideal way to introduce yourself to the action as you wander around Galway Street and Wynyard Quarter
- Spark’ 5G Race Zone – Simulate the actual race in this interactive technological feat which pairs sailing and virtual reality — and all powered by 5-G.
- The All Blacks Experience – Learn the history, experience the thrill of the team and meet a 4-meter-high haka right on Federal Street
There are also all sorts of other non-yachting activites you can safely experience in and around Auckland when you come for the Cup. Check out some of the following options:
- Auckland Art Gallery – Currently featuring the largest exhibition of Maori Art in NZ in over 20 years.
- Cornwall Park – Stroll directly into this sprawling green park right near the city centre. Fun fact – the whole thing sits atop a volcanic cone!
- Mt. Eden – Only 1.7 miles from the city centre but it has the best view in Auckland – do not miss this accessible, breathtaking hike and vista during your stay.
- Diners and Eateries – There are plenty of pop up restaurants and gastronomic delights by renowned chefs like Peter Gordon, Ben Bayley and Michael Meredith. Whether you are looking for casual or fine dining, local treats or international flair, there are countless safe options to choose from in Auckland.
Where Should You Stay During Your Visit?
You’ll want to find some nice accommodations during your holiday to Auckland, and Bachcare has countless options available to be your “home away from home” in the city. Why stay in a stuffy hotel and be forced to eat out three times a day? Bachcare features actual houses and apartments across the country that enable you and your family to experience a vacation in a new way. Cook and store food in the kitchen whilst relaxing and spending time together in the living areas and outdoor zones – just like at home.
Peruse the following available units, and check the availability for your travel dates by clicking on the links below:
Beachside Holiday – Castor Bay Holiday Apartment
Positioned on Auckland’s North Shore, this apartment can sleep 6 people comfortably in its 3 bedrooms. With two queen beds, one single and a pull-out, you can invite the whole family along and have plenty of room for everyone to have their own space. This unit is on the ground floor, so you’ll have instant access to the shore, and you also can use the building’s beautiful, private pool and hot tub whenever it suits your fancy. You’ll be only 15 minutes from the city centre and have all the comforts of home during your stay – with a full kitchen, living room and dining area. Of course, linens and towels are included.
Our Place – Mt Eden Holiday Apartment
Nestled right in the heart of the City of Sails, Our Place is a contemporary yet homey apartment that has all the amenities you require while on holiday. There is a master bedroom and bath, along with a fold-out sofa in the living room, so multiple people can sleep comfortably during the stay. The apartment even features an outdoor lounge suite, a perfect pace to have your morning cup of coffee or an evening happy hour session together while planning or reviewing your day.
Phoenix Palm Pool Retreat – Auckland Holiday Home
Located in Birkenhead, Auckland, the Phoenix Palm Pool Retreat is a stunning two-story home with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and gorgeous outdoor chill zones – including a full pool. This home can easily sleep 7 and has a large spacious kitchen area, a living room and a dining area with enough room for everyone to feel comfortable. With Wifi, a BBQ, a dishwasher and washer/dryer units, this home will truly feel like your own!
