fact of spectators being allowed to gather in groups to view the event in-person, something which had been forbidden at nearly all major sporting events around the world during 2020. The 2021 Prada Cup was held in Auckland between 15 January and 21 February 2021. It was the competition to determine the official challenger. It started with a quadruple Round-robin tournament, to determine a seeding, which Ineos Team UK won undefeated. The round-robin was notable for the capsize of American Magic in its fourth match and subsequent forfeiture of the rest of the round-robin races while the team effected major repairs. Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli (2nd in the round-robin) went on to beat American Magic 4–0 in a semi-final series to advance to the final. Luna Rossa then won the final series against Ineos UK by 7–1 – thereby becoming the official challenger for the America's Cup against defender Emirates Team New Zealand. Detection of COVID-19 cases in Auckland led to an increase in alert level by the New Zealand Government that caused disruption to the racing and spectator access during the latter stages of the final series. Cup match The America's Cup was a best of 13 race series. Races were originally to be held from 6–15 March 2021, with two races per day on 6–7 March, 10 March, and 12–15 March, with additional "reserve days" available if poor weather necessitates a delay. On 28 February, the New Zealand Government announced that Auckland would move into lockdown for at least 7 days due to a resurgence of COVID-19. This caused the postponement of race days 1 and 2 (originally scheduled to be held on 6–7 March). On 5 March, the revised schedule was released, with racing starting on 10 March and ending 17 March. Notes: Race day 4 (races 7 and 8) were postponed on 14 March due to light winds and were scheduled to be run on 15 March. All further race days were pushed an extra day to accommodate. Race 8 was shortened mid-race from 6 legs to 5 legs due to wind conditions. Due to poor wind conditions at the start of race day 5 (16 March), only one race was able to be run before the end of the day– race 9. The 10th race therefore became the first race to be sailed on the 6th day of the competition. Team New Zealand retained the