America’s Cup: What we know for now

While the Protocol governing the next America’s Cup won’t be published until the end of 2021, some of the details for the 37th edition were revealed with the announcement of the Royal Yacht Squadron Racing (GBR) as the Challenger of Record. Until the fine print is revealed, here are some reports that may lead the way:

• Taking the America’s Cup back to where it all began would be a game-changing event, according to Sir Ben Ainslie. The multi-time Olympic sailing gold medalist, who heads INEOS Team UK – the new Challenger of Record to the ‘Auld Mug’, has suggested a one-off Deed of Gift race between Team New Zealand and Team UK, to be staged in the Isle of Wight next year, before a full regatta back in Auckland in 2024. Ainslie says bringing a Cup race to Britain would reinvigorate interest in the oldest trophy in sports. – Full report

• Team UK would be prepared to defend the America’s Cup in Auckland in 2024 if they won a mooted deed of gift challenge against Team New Zealand in England next year. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire backer of Sir Ben Ainslie’s British syndicate, has revealed some of the details and his hopes behind the audacious one-off challenge that is being seriously considered by the Kiwis after their latest successful defense. Ratcliffe said the deed of gift challenge on the Solent would be “a bridge” to the 2024 full regatta. – Full report

• British skipper Sir Ben Ainslie was pleased the AC75 would stay the same for the next two America’s Cups, but he hopes light air performance will be an area of focus in further developing the class. Additionally, he is committed to cost reduction initiatives which could include standardizing certain non-essential parts to encourage new entrants. Said Ainslie, “I would hope to see at least six teams in the next Cup and we should be targeting as many as 10.” – Full report

• American Magic CEO Terry Hutchinson has indicated that New York Yacht Club will return to challenge again, with its base remaining up and running on the Auckland Viaduct along with its two boats Defiant and Patriot set to remain.”In a perfect world, we’re back in 14 months, we get Patriot in the water and we’re starting up our program,” Hutchinson said. – Full report

36th America’s Cup Match Scoreboard (wins-losses)
Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL): 7-3
Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (ITA): 3-7

Advancing as the winner of the PRADA Cup, the Italian challenger faced the Kiwi defense in the best of 13 series. After the postponement due to government COVID-19 health regulations, the 36th America’s Cup Match racing schedule had two races per day planned for March 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, and each day after that until the first team had won seven races.

More information:
• 36th America’s Cup details: click here.
• Complete America’s Cup coverage: click here
• Additional America’s Cup information: click here