America’s Cup: Rules to be released by March but venue selection not known until summer

The new version of the America’s Cup Class Rule, which will produce a foiling, wingsailed catamaran in the 60-65 foot range, is on schedule to be released next month.

Several potential America’s Cup teams are cooperating in the rule writing process with the design firm Morrelli & Melvin.

The Protocol for the 35th America’s Cup, which defines rules specific to this event, is also on track for a March release.

“We’re working with the Challenger of Record from Hamilton Island Yacht Club to have a Protocol ready to issue in March,” said Russell Coutts, CEO of Oracle Team USA.

“An overriding theme of both documents is an effort to reduce costs and increase media exposure, so that teams can provide a better return to their sponsors for significantly less money than was required last time.”

The selection of the venue for the 35th America’s Cup is likely to stretch into summer. Several venues are under consideration.

“We need to take the time to assess each potential venue and ensure we get the best possible outcome for the America’s Cup, the teams and the event commercial partners.” Coutts said.

Source: Event website

Editor’s note: Among the venues under consideration are the cities of San Francisco, Long Beach, and San Diego in California, Newport in Rhode Island, and the state of Hawaii. On February 11, San Diego Port commissioners voted unanimously to submit a bid, directing the port’s staff to respond to a request for information from America’s Cup officials by March 3.