New York Yacht Club opts out of 37th America’s Cup

As prospective challengers wait to learn about the format for the 37th America’s Cup, at which point the entry period will open, New York Yacht Club apparently knows enough to turn their attention elsewhere. Duncan Johnstone of STUFF media reports:

The New York Yacht Club has decided against contesting the next America’s Cup, though it’s Stars + Stripes team has vowed to stay in the game. The famous club confirmed to Stuff they were “pausing our pursuit of the 37th America’s Cup”.

Defenders Team New Zealand said they weren’t surprised by the development.

“While it is disappointing to hear of the apparent loss of the NYYC from AC37, we are not entirely surprised as we started to see them struggling with the reality of being a competing yacht club as early as December last year,” Team New Zealand said in a strong reactionary statement.

“Commodore Culver’s Corinthian approach to the modern America’s Cup was obviously at odds with their former representative team American Magic, who they alienated earlier this year.

“The reality of the modern-day America’s Cup competition is that every yacht club needs its representative team to be responsible for the operation and decisions of its challenge or defense whilst protecting the club and its members from any financial liability.

“Both American Magic (the team) and Stars + Stripes remain involved anticipating the AC37 protocol next month.

“The outcome of the NYYC approach is in complete contrast to that of RNZYS and Team New Zealand who have had an enduring relationship for 27 years, winning the America’s Cup four times where the yacht club plays a valuable supporting role to the team that carries the financial and competitive responsibilities.”

It ends a strange few months for the Cup’s most famous club after their ill-fated return to action in Auckland where their entry, American Magic, was badly damaged in a dramatic capsize, and they were the first team eliminated.

In July the club announced they were moving forward with the Stars + Stripes syndicate that had failed to find the funds to compete at the last Cup in Auckland despite purchasing boat plans and getting part way through a build of their first AC75.

American Magic and Stars + Stripes will still pursue the next America’s Cup, but need to find new club allegiances. – Full report