America’s Cup sold to Barcelona

Alex Powell with New Zealand news service Newshub grabs the low hanging fruit as he selects his Disappointment of 2022.

In March, Emirates Team NZ confirmed what we’d all feared for a long time and announced that the 2024 America’s Cup defense would be sailed in Barcelona.

Granted, the financial boost of hosting it in Spain will be crucial if Team NZ are to defend the Cup, but that doesn’t make it any less painful, considering the early mornings we’ll have to put in to watch it.

COVID-19 had a huge say on how the Cup was last defended and 2024 should have been New Zealand’s chance to enjoy it properly, as the world returns to normal.

I guess we shouldn’t be surprised Emirates Team NZ put commercial interests before their country – it’s literally in their name.

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 March 30, 2022. The 37th America’s Cup will be held in September/October 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)

Noticeboard: https://ac37noticeboard.acofficials.org/
Additional details: www.americascup.com/en/home