Jury Rules in Favor of ETNZ & Luna Rossa

San Francisco, 07/11/2013 – The America’s Cup Event Authority (ACEA) announced today that racing can proceed as scheduled if the teams adhere to the AC72 Class Rule as well as to the 37 safety rules established following the Artemis Racing capsize that resulted in the tragic death of Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson in May.

A decision today by the International Jury upheld protests by Emirates Team New Zealand and Italy’s Luna Rossa Challenge that the Regatta Director alone could not change some of the regatta rules, even if he was acting in the best interests of all the sailors.

“This means racing can continue if the teams abide by the existing Class Rule and the Safety Rules,” said ACEA chief executive, Stephen Barclay. “If the teams take this step, it will ensure the safety plan remains intact and the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Event Permit is unaffected.”

Regatta Director Iain Murray said, “I am immediately reaching out to the Coast Guard and the teams.

“Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa are complying with both the AC72 Class Rule and the Safety Rules. Artemis Racing, who is still preparing its AC72, has previously advised that they can not immediately comply with both. Exactly how this decision impacts Artemis Racing is something we need to look at through our discussion with the teams.”

“My focus remains squarely on the safety of all the competitors in all of the teams,” said Murray.

Both the America’s Cup Event Authority, organizers of the land-based aspects of the competition, and America’s Cup Race Management, responsible for the on-water sporting competition, said they respect International Jury’s findings.

“I thank everyone for their patience and understanding in this matter. I especially want to thank our fans, sponsors and the city of San Francisco who continue to be supportive of the 34th America’s Cup,” concluded Barclay. Story

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