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Join live updates on the action from the first day of the America’s Cup World Series.
Coverage begins with a live question and answer session with AUT Boating Teacher Mark Orams, who will then provide expert updates on all four races.
Everything you need to know before the Copa América World Series and the Christmas Cup.
The America’s Cup World Series will be the first opportunity for teams to go head-to-head in official races, having met several times in practice duels in recent weeks.
The first three days follow a double round robin format, with four races each day. Each team will face their three opponents twice.
The highest ranked team in the round-robin will meet the fourth best team in one semi-final, and the second and third teams will meet in the other.
The winners of each semi-final will meet in the deciding match of the Christmas Cup, while the two losers will compete in a playoff for the third.
For the New Zealand team, it is their only chance to face all three potential challengers in official races before the Copa América match next March.
Luna Rossa, American Magic and INEOS Team UK will meet in the Prada Cup starting in January, which will determine who will compete against the defending Team NZ in the America’s Cup match.
The New Zealand team will enter the World Series as favorites, and their second AC75 Te Rehutai will impress early.
They have also shown early superiority in practice races against Luna Rossa in recent weeks.
But American Magic also proved they are a force, with Dean Barker leading the US union to a practice race win over the Kiwis in the final race of the day on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, INEOS Team UK remains somewhat unknown, and the team will not complete a test race until Tuesday against the Americans.
However, as Luna Rossa boss Max Sirena said at the first Copa America press conference focused on racing on Wednesday, don’t get carried away with the results just yet.
“The development process will continue until the end of the Cup,” Sirena said.
“Every day there is a different boat in the water. What we see today could change tomorrow.
“Today is not the real level that we will see in the coming months.
“They will see a lot of changes for us next week and I think everyone else will do the same. We are at the beginning with this boat.”
READ MORE: Explanation: What is the World Series and the Christmas Race and what should we expect?
Schedule
December 17
Race 1 – Team New Zealand vs Luna Rossa (15:12)
Race 2 – American Magic vs INEOS Team UK (15:50)
Race 3 – INEOS Team UK vs Luna Rossa (16:40)
Race 4 – American Magic vs Team New Zealand (17:20)
Dec. 18
Race 1 – Luna Rossa vs American Magic (15:12)
Race 2 – Team New Zealand vs INEOS Team UK (15:50)
Race 3 – American Magic vs Luna Rossa (16:40)
Race 4 – INEOS Team UK vs Team New Zealand (17:20)
Decembre 19th
Race 1- Luna Rossa vs American Magic (15:12)
Race 2 – Team New Zealand vs INEOS Team UK (15:50)
Race 3 – American Magic vs Luna Rossa (16:40)
Race 4 – INEOS Team UK vs Team New Zealand (17:20)
December 20th
Race 1- Semifinal 1: Maximum classified v 4th classified (15:12)
Race 2 – Semifinal 2: 2nd classified against 3rd classified (15:50)
Race 3 – Race for third place: Loser Semifinal 1 – Loser Semifinal 2 (16:40)
Race 4 – Final: Winner Semifinal 1 – Winner Semifinal 2 (17:20)
Possibilities
TAB Odds – Christmas Race Winner:
New Zealand Team – $ 1.45
Luna Rossa – $ 4.50
American Magic – $ 5
INEOS UK Team – $ 15
How to watch and stream
The Herald will have live updates at nzherald.co.nz/sport, while you can hear live commentary on Gold AM and iHeartRadio.
America’s Cup coverage is exclusively free on TVNZ. Each day’s coverage of the World Series and Christmas Cup begins on TVNZ 1 at 2 pm You can also stream the action live via TVNZ.co.nz.
Enjoy a smooth sailing to the Cup with Auckland Transport
• Avoid traffic congestion and parking problems and download the AT Mobile app to plan your bus, train or ferry trip to race venues before you leave home.
• Make sure your AT HOP card is in your pocket. It’s the best way to get to the Cup
• For more ways to enjoy race day, visit at.govt.nz/americascup
Professor Mark Orams is a former New Zealand Sailing World Champion, Team New Zealand member, author, environmentalist and Professor of Sport and Recreation at Auckland University of Technology.
