Has the America’s Cup Gone Too Far?

There are six week to go before one of the most prestigious and punishing competitions in sport gets underway. Countless man hours and millions are invested in each team, yet the reality is, that after only 8 days of racing, one team will be sent home.

Six nations get ready to compete, with their sights set on one of the world’s most elusive trophies, the gloves are well and truly off! One thing has remained consistent throughout the history of the America’s Cup…Winner Takes All.

All 6 teams – 5 Challengers and 1 Defender – compete in two round robins for the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup qualifiers starting on the May 26th. After 8 days of racing, one team will be eliminated on June 3rd. The current America’s Cup defender, Oracle Team USA, then steps to one side as the remaining 4 teams take part in the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Challenger Playoffs.

One will remain as the teams battle it out to become the one America’s Cup Challenger. This team will go on to face Oracle Team USA in the America’s Cup Finals presented by Louis Vuitton, taking place over two penultimate weekends June 17 and 18 and June 24 and 25.. Winner takes all, the rights to the America’s Cup and the trophy itself.

Some would argue that the current defenders are at an advantage, having won it previously. They are also able to compete in the America’s Cup qualifier rounds, giving them the perfect vantage point to check out the competition, without the pressure of a possible elimination (Oracle Team USA will defend the cup in the finals no matter what)

Others would argue that being the front runner, constantly looking over your shoulder, can take its toll mentally on a team. It has been said that victory is a thousand times sweeter when you are the underdog, and it looks like Oracle Team USA will need to fend off the whole pack.

As is often the case when toying with cutting edge technology and constantly pushing the boundaries, it’s not always plain sailing. This America’s Cup is that. While no sport can guarantee good competition, this event is intended to be shocking.

We have already seen near disaster in training. Competing in anger will only heighten the danger. Designed for television, this America’s Cup will leverage peril to grab the broadcast audience. Has it gone too far? Standing by for the answer…

Background: The 35th American’s Cup has attracted six teams (5 challengers and 1 defender) that will compete in the new 15-meter AC Class, with a series of qualifiers beginning on May 26, 2017 that lead to the start of the America’s Cup Match on June 17, 2017. Complete schedule.

Source: Origin Sports Group, Scuttlebutt