Teams Gunning for America’s Cup

Since the entry period for the 35th America’s Cup opened on June 9, two challengers have announced their intention to vie for the right to compete in the 2017 Match:

Sir Ben Ainslie, the most successful Olympic sailor in history, is setting his sights on the America’s Cup. On Tuesday, he introduced his team during a ceremony at Queens House, in England, to launch his America’s Cup challenge.

“This is the last great historic sporting prize never won by Great Britain. It has always been my ambition to mount a home challenge,” he said. “The time is right and I am hugely encouraged by the support we are getting, not least from the Duchess of Cambridge. I learned a great deal aboard Oracle in San Francisco and I would not be challenging if I did not believe we have a real chance of winning this time.” Full report.

On Thursday Luna Rossa Challenge announced their team for the 35th America’s Cup. Patrizio Bertelli, the passionate team principal of Luna Rossa, introduced Max Sirena as skipper for the second consecutive challenge: “In addition to his unquestionable technical skills, one of Max’s strongest qualities is the ability to manage relationships with his staff: he understands the needs and rationale of each department in the team and puts himself on an equal level with everyone. He is also a strong team builder: success in the America’s Cup is never the result of an individual but a combination of factors that lead to the victory of an entire team.”

Sirena says he has retained the core of the team from the last America’s Cup, adding some crucial parts to develop the strongest possible team. Among the inclusions are American Bora Gulari.  Full details.

Entry confirmation has not yet been provided by Golden Gate Yacht Club for either entry. Entry period closes August 8.