02 December 2020
For the first time in its history, Panerai will serve as Official Timekeeper of the Prada Cup, taking place from 15 January to 24 February 2021 in Auckland.
Commenting on the announcement, Panerai Chief Executive Officer Jean-Marc Pontroué stated: “We are extremely proud to have been appointed as Official Timekeeper of the Prada Cup. The challenge ahead is a great one for us all and Panerai is fully committed to experiencing this new chapter.
“From exchanges on technology and precision to outfitting the exceptional high-tech foiling monohulls, every part of the partnership truly reflects our innovative soul as a pioneering brand.”
“The link of Panerai with the sea dates back to the first decade of the last century, when the company supplied advanced and sophisticated engineering elements for the ships of the Italian Navy,” stated the PRADA Head of Marketing and Communication, Lorenzo Bertelli.
“The first underwater watches date back to the 1930s and have been central elements of legendary endeavours. Panerai’s research and development and passion for the sea has not stopped since.
“It is therefore with great satisfaction that we welcome Panerai as Official Timekeeper of the Prada Cup and of the 36th America’s Cup presented by Prada preliminary regattas.”
The race will establish which team will compete against the Defender, Emirates New Zealand, in the America’s Cup final in March 2021.
Rooted in the 1970 decision to bring the Challenger Selection Series into being, the Prada Cup is the final hurdle on the road to the oldest trophy in sport, the 36th America’s Cup presented by Prada.
Beyond sharing audacious experiences and working side-by-side to discover disruptive new solutions, this partnership will amplify Panerai’s profile thanks to media opportunities extended to the Florentine brand through the sponsorship that made its designation as Official Timekeeper possible.
The brand will be represented on television graphics, the race committee boat and official support boats during all the Prada Cup, the Prada America’s Cup World Series and the Prada Christmas Race.
Panerai will also gain exclusive designations as Official Timekeeper of the Prada America’s Cup World Series Auckland and the Prada Christmas Race.