It’s moving year in the America’s Cup

by Duncan Johnstone, STUFF media
It’s moving year in the America’s Cup cycle. Much like the third round of a golf major, this is the period that will set up the real hopes of success in a four-year campaign.

Those in the know will say that Barcelona 2024 will likely be won or lost on the decisions made in 2023, when the builds of the lone AC75s that teams can race at the next Cup get under way. Some irreversible design concepts are about to become reality.

It will also be a literal move for the five confirmed teams who will all spend the European summer in the Spanish hot-spot, getting acquainted with the unique conditions on offer and savouring the building atmosphere of one of the world’s truly great cities.

Team New Zealand quietly feel they are well-placed for their controversial offshore defence of the Auld Mug.

They’ve just completed a momentous 2022 that included getting the half-scale AC40 class under way with design, production and sailing. That will be used as a test boat and training vessel by the syndicates and also sailed exclusively for the youth and women’s America’s Cups next year.

The Kiwis have also got their innovative hydrogen-powered foiling chase boat designed and tested, and claimed a wind-powered land speed world record in their radical land yacht Horonuku. They’ve recently shuffled bases on Auckland’s waterfront.

These are the sort of projects that have kept the minds and forces of the team sharp and focussed, with flow-on benefits to Barcelona.

“We are pretty comfortable in our program … where we are going, the sailing that we are doing, the work that we are doing, especially in the design world,” Team New Zealand chief operating officer Kevin Shoebridge tells Stuff with his syndicate on a quick holiday break ahead of an enormous year. – Full report

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