Dutch withdraw from America’s Cup

When the 36th America’s Cup opened its initial entry period (January 1 to June 30, 2018), the New Zealand Defender and Italian Challenger of Record received strong Notices of Challenge from American Magic (USA) and INEOS Team UK (GBR).

But for an additional fee, there was a late entry deadline (November 30, 2018) to allow more time for teams to organize. By this date eight additional Notices of Challenge were received, but after vetting only three entries – Malta, USA, and the Netherlands – would be confirmed.

However, Malta dropped out in May and now the Netherlands has done so too. Here is their announcement:

Scheveningen, Netherlands (July 1, 2019) – Despite tireless sponsorship and fundraising efforts, the DutchSail team has not meet its financial objectives to participate in the 2021 America’s Cup race in Auckland, NZ. Notwithstanding the many commitments from Government, R&D centres, the business community and many private individuals, the DutchSail foundation board concluded that it was financially unfeasible to actually continue the campaign.

As indicated in earlier phases, timelines played a key role in the board’s decision. Pressure to secure crucial sponsorships throughout the year were unfortunately not met on time. “Time’s up” was Eelco Blok announcement to Team New Zealand, the defender of the America’s Cup. But not without acknowledging the patience and cooperation brought by the organizers in Auckland to allow a “late entry” from the Netherlands.

DutchSail is humbled by the overwhelming support from home and abroad for the daring initiative. From Government to private individuals, from ambassadors to builders, from volunteers to the world’s top competitive Dutch sailors.

Simeon Tienpont, the driving force behind the initiative, remains militant: “We will continue. In recent months, a wonderful foundation has been built by DutchSail and participation in the America’s Cup.

“We will follow the 36th edition very closely and then be ready for the next edition. Then we have more time, more knowledge and more opportunity to further ignite the fire in the Netherlands. And in the meantime, we will take the necessary initiatives, all aimed at activating the ecosystem that has now been formed under DutchSail. We will keep going on foiling speed!”

Chairman of DutchSail Hans Huis in ‘t Veld: “The scale and the dynamism of the ecosystem is unique; it is initiating research projects. Foiling America’s Cup vessels are appealing breakthroughs for zero-emission shipping, wind propulsion and other sustainability issues. More than ever, innovations in competitive sailing will be crucial in the maritime economy world. We will continue with DutchSail, that much is now clear.”
—————
So now of the three late entries, only Stars+Stripes USA remains committed, but they still must complete the entry fee payment process before they will be eligible to race. They have already paid their initial payment but as a late entry challenger under the Protocol they also have a liability to pay a US$1million late entry fee due in installments by October 1, 2019.

In addition to Challenges from Italy, USA, and Great Britain that were accepted during the initial entry period (January 1 to June 30, 2018), eight additional Notices of Challenge were received by the late entry deadline on November 30, 2018. Of those eight submittals, entries from Malta, USA, and the Netherlands were also accepted. Here’s the list:

Defender:
• Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL)

Challengers:
• Luna Rossa (ITA) – Challenger of Record
• American Magic (USA)
• INEOS Team UK (GBR)
• Malta Altus Challenge (MLT) – WITHDRAW
• Stars & Stripes Team USA (USA)
• DutchSail (NED) – WITHDRAW

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 (DELAYED)
✔ 2nd half of 2019: 2 x America’s Cup World Series Preliminary Events (CANCELLED)
October 1, 2019: US$1million late entry fee deadline
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