34th America’s Cup: Timeline of the Highs and Lows

The 34th America’s Cup will be remembered for the close racing between two immensely talented teams, the riveting performance of the AC72, and the phenomenal broadcast and spectator experience. Here is a timeline showing some of the highs and lows…

September 13, 2010: The Protocol for the 34th America’s Cup was released, detailing plans for the AC72 and AC World Series.

December 31, 2010: The venue of San Francisco was confirmed.

May 12, 2011: Challenger of Record Club Nautico di Roma, and their team Mascalzone Latino, withdraws from the event.

February 16, 2012: Photos posted of defender Oracle Team USA trialing L foils on their AC45.

March 15, 2012: Challenger Artemis Racing is the first to trial their AC72 wing, using a modified Orma 60 as their platform.

May 25, 2012: While training off Valencia, Spain, Artemis Racing’s AC72 wing suffered significant damage.

July 31, 2012: Challenger Emirates Team New Zealand is the first to sail their AC72.

August 29, 2012: Photos posted of Emirates Team New Zealand fully foiling their AC72.

August 31, 2012: Oracle Team USA takes first sail on their AC72, but the session was stopped after two hours due to a daggerboard failure in the starboard hull. Their second sail wasn’t until September 18.

October 16, 2012: Oracle Team Racing’s AC72 pitchpoled and capsized, causing severe damage to the yacht. The wingsail was completely destroyed while being swept under the Golden Gate Bridge by a strong ebb tide. The team wasn’t able to resume sailing their AC72 until February 5, 2013.

November 14, 2012: Artemis Racing takes first sail on their AC72, which was delayed when damage was incurred to the front beam on October 18 when load testing.

February 2013: Testing against Oracle Team USA confirms that Artemis Racing is off the pace. Their non-fully foiling package is scrapped, requiring modifications to their second boat before it can be launched.

May 9, 2013: Artemis Racing pitchpoled and broke apart, resulting in the death of crew Andrew Simpson and the complete destruction of their first boat.

July 25, 2013: Artemis Racing takes first sail on their second AC72.

The Louis Vuitton Cup challenger series on July 7-August 25 included Artemis Racing, Emirates Team New Zealand, and Luna Rossa Challenge. Click here for the Complete Race by Race Relay of the 34th America’s Cup.