New Zealand first team to announce America’s Cup entry

As the holder of the America’s Cup, Golden Gate Yacht Club and their defense team Oracle Team USA have been exceedingly quiet about who has submitted entry into the 35th America’s Cup. Unlike the previous edition, where every team to express interest was cause for a public celebration, there is now a significantly more cautious approach.

With an entry deadline of August 8 (by midnight PT), the only news from the defender came last week when they said that four teams had entered or plan to by the entry: Luna Rossa (ITA), Artemis Racing (SWE), Team France (FRA) and Ben Ainslie Racing (GBR)

However, the first club to say they had in fact lodged a challenge is the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron on behalf of their squad, Emirates Team New Zealand.

The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron has been involved with all but one New Zealand America’s Cup campaign since 1987, winning at San Diego in 1995 and successfully defending at Auckland in 2000.

“New Zealand has a distinguished history in the America’s Cup and we expect Emirates Team New Zealand will once again make New Zealand proud, just as it has done many times in the past,” stated outgoing Commodore Steve Burrett. “We wish the team well and we look forward to contributing to the success of the 35th America’s Cup.”

Emirates Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton says the team is pleased to be able to be in a position to challenge with the confidence of being able to represent the country well. “This is the official start of a long, hard journey. We do not under-estimate the challenges ahead. We look forward to working with the other teams to create a great event.”