News

America’s Cup: More interest still lurking

Published on September 3rd, 2018

The 2021 America’s Cup could swell with a potential six other challengers eyeing involvement in the 36th edition in Auckland.

Currently there are three confirmed challengers – Luna Rossa, American Magic, and INEOS Team UK – seeking to oppose Cup holders Emirates Team New Zealand.

However, Italian challenger of record Luna Rossa, who will handle the Prada Cup challenger series in Auckland, confirmed there was interest from several start-up teams to get involved.

“Yes, there are other potential challengers,” said Luna Rossa team director and skipper Max Sirena, noting there were three other Italian outfits exploring involvement along with a second American team, a Norwegian syndicate, and an Asian outfit.

Emirates Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton suggested there were some “live” teams amongst those.

“There are four teams that right now could make it and they are real,” Dalton said. “It’s our responsibility to now make it easy for them to make it. Because they have big barriers (in front of them).”

Few will be able to match the money invested by the heavyweights already announced and will be on the back foot in a heated design race.

Full report… click here.

Key America’s Cup dates:
✔ September 28, 2017: 36th America’s Cup Protocol released
✔ November 30, 2017: AC75 Class concepts released to key stakeholders
✔ January 1, 2018: Entries for Challengers open
✔ March 31, 2018: AC75 Class Rule published
✔ June 30, 2018: Entries for Challengers close
✔ August 31, 2018: Location of the America’s Cup Match and The PRADA Cup confirmed
✔ August 31, 2018: Specific race course area confirmed
November 30, 2018: Late entries deadline
March 31, 2019: Boat 1 can be launched
2nd half of 2019: 2 x America’s Cup World Series Preliminary Events
February 1, 2020: Boat 2 can be launched
During 2020: 3 x America’s Cup World Series Preliminary Events
December 10-20, 2020: America’s Cup Christmas Race
January and February 2021: The PRADA Cup Challenger Selection Series
March 2021: The America’s Cup Match

Details: www.americascup.com