Slater returns for third America’s Cup

While the America’s Cup wouldn’t be the America’s Cup if the build-up to the Match did not involve shenanigans and conflict, maintaining fairness on the water will be the job of Richard Slater who has been named Chief Umpire for the 37th edition in Barcelona, Spain.

“Richard holds almost unique status in the sport amongst the sailors as a massively respected individual,” notes Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand. “He brings vast experience and a deep understanding of this particular brand of high-performance, grand-prix sailing and his knowledge will be invaluable both as the events get underway and in the lead up to the regattas.”

Slater’s involvement with the America’s Cup goes back to the Young Australia syndicate of 1999 where he acted as Rules Advisor to the team that included a young Jimmy Spithill on the helm.

Stints as a respected International Umpire and International Judge ensued across events including the World Match Racing Tour, Volvo Ocean Race, and as a Rules Advisor to the Australian Sailing Team at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

“To be involved in any America’s Cup is such a privilege as it’s the pinnacle of our sport but I have a feeling that this one is going to be something very special,” said Slater. “The format and the boats promise really close action and the appeal is going to be broad. An America’s Cup in Europe is always an engaging experience and I’m looking forward to working with the event and the teams to deliver on the promise.”

This will be his third time in the role, having been appointed as Chief Umpire for the 35th America’s Cup in Bermuda and 36th America’s Cup in Auckland.

Following the publication of the AC37 Protocol and AC75 Class Rule on November 17, 2021, the AC75 Class Rule and AC Technical Regulations were finalized on March 17, 2022. 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 was to announce the Match Venue on September 17, 2021 but postponed the venue reveal, confirming it would be Barcelona on by March 30, 2022. The 37th America’s Cup will be held in Summer/Fall 2024.

Teams revealed to challenge defender Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL):
• INEOS Britannia (GBR)
• Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI)
• Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (ITA)
• NYYC American Magic (USA)

Training timeline: www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2022/04/21/training-calendar-for-37th-americas-cup/
Additional details: www.americascup.com/en/home