Prada says Ciao, until October

By BERNARD ORSMAN

The sleek, grey hulls of Prada's two Luna Rossa boats will slip out of Auckland today, across the Hauraki Gulf that was their battleground for five months and home to Italy.

Secured alongside Young America's two boats - bought by Prada yachting boss Patrizio Bertelli in the first move towards winning the America's Cup in 2003 - the yachts are returning to home base on a cargo ship for the Italian summer.

Then it will be sails down and back to New Zealand in October to resume the campaign for sport's oldest trophy.

Prada's logistics manager, Anotonia Marrai, the last remaining member of the Prada team, has been overseeing the return of the boats and other equipment.

He said yesterday said the team was proud of its achievements and appreciative of local support.

"We now have to work out what to do to beat Team New Zealand."

He said the two Luna Rossa boats and possibly two crews would be back at their Cup base by October.

The rest of the Prada team left New Zealand two weeks ago with Mr Bertelli, who said he would again fund the next challenge.

Meanwhile, another piece of the America's Cup summer has disappeared. Workers have removed the giant wrap-around signs on the Sky Tower proclaiming the Cup.