American Magic leaving Auckland

American Magic are finally closing their Auckland base in another sign the next America’s Cup will be sailed overseas. Here’s an update from Duncan Johnstone of STUFF media:

The United States syndicate has begun dismantling the two buildings they used in the Wynyard Quarter zone for the buildup and sailing of the America’s Cup challenger series in 2021.

It is understood American Magic were keen to stay in Auckland and start sailing again next September, as permitted under the rules for the next Cup. That would have given them the opportunity to train and develop in the shadow of defenders Team New Zealand. But New Zealand’s strict Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) situation has prevented that happening.

The venue for the next America’s Cup is due to be announced on March 31 with Ireland, Spain and Saudi Arabia the contenders to host yachting’s prime spectacle.

It’s likely the Americans will now transfer their equipment home to take advantage of their looming summer. They could then move quickly to the next venue and take advantage of the exemption that encourages teams to set up early there and allows them to sail from June 1, 2023 to September 30, 2023 on the host waters.

American Magic, with Terry Hutchinson in charge, have stayed in the game and, after some internal rumblings, have managed to retain the backing of the prestigious New York Yacht Club. Team Britannia and Italy’s Luna Rossa are also still in the mix while Swiss syndicate Alinghi is returning to the Cup scene for the first time since 2010.

There is the chance of further entries being announced with the next America’s Cup to be sailed in refined versions of the radical AC75 foiling monohull that was introduced in Auckland. Smaller 40-foot versions are available for teams to train and develop on and the AC40 will also be used for build-up regattas as well as the youth and women’s America’s Cups that are planned for this cycle.

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