Alinghi returns for 37th America’s Cup

Auckland, New Zealand (December 1, 2021) – As of 12:00am today, Challengers can now officially enter the next edition of the America’s Cup. While the teams from the 2021 edition had indicated their interest to compete again, it was a past winner that was first to publicly submit their interest.

According to the New Zealand Herald, Team New Zealand’s nemesis Alinghi is back in the America’s Cup after an 11-year absence. It is understood the Swiss syndicate has paid the initial $1.47 million entry fee for the 37th America’s Cup and is working to secure an old practice boat.

Owned by Swiss billionaire Ernesto Bertarelli, Alinghi famously won the Cup for the first time in 2003, sweeping defender Team NZ 5-0 in the Cup match.

Bertarelli had signed Team NZ skipper Russell Coutts and tactician Brad Butterworth shortly after the Kiwis retained the Cup in 2000 for that victorious 2003 campaign in Auckland and they successfully defended the Auld Mug in Valencia in 2007.

However, Bertarelli has been out of the Cup game since losing to Larry Ellison’s Oracle in the Deed of Gift Challenge in 2010, though the Alinghi brand has continued to be a force in sailing, competing in the Extreme Sailing Series, which they won twice, and the GC32 Tour.

The Royal New Zealand Yachting Squadron reports that several challenges were received soon after the entry period opening. After only three Challengers in Auckland this year, Alinghi’s return at least opens up the possibility of more in 2024.

Perks of early entry is the queue determines the allocation of their AC40 yachts and team bases at the venue of the 37th America’s Cup.

Following the publication of the AC37 Protocol and AC75 Class Rule on November 17, the entry period opened December 1, 2021 and runs until July 31, 2022, but late entries for the 37th America’s Cup may be accepted until May 31, 2023. The Defender is to announce Match Venue and approximate event dates on March 31, 2022. – https://www.americascup.com/en/home