Patrizio Bertelli's team won the last Louis Vuitton Cup in impressive style, outlasting Paul Cayard's AmericaOne in an incredible best-of-nine series.

Disappointment followed in 2000, however, as the Italian bid floundered against holders New Zealand and crashed to a 5-0 America's Cup loss.

The commodore of the Punta Ala Yacht Club immediately laid down the challenge to New Zealand's Royal Yacht Squadron and Prada became the Challenger of Record (COR) for this event.

Skipper Francesco de Angelis and veteran campaigner Rod Davis are out to make sure that humbling experience is not repeated.

And they can call on an exceptionally strong cast of sailors that includes members of the now-defunct Young America syndicate.

New Zealand-born Gavin Brady and Brazilian Torben Grael are members of the afterguard on ITA 80 Luna Rossa.

First, though, Prada must see off all other challengers.

The team will not fail for lack of preparation, having trained continuously off the coasts of Italy and New Zealand since the day it launched in 1996.

And it knows the Hauraki Gulf waters better than any team except the holders.

Verdict: Could yet earn a revenge series against the Kiwis.