37th America’s Cup pre-regatta in Jeddah

The second preliminary regatta of the 37th America’s Cup will be held in 2023 on the waters of the Red Sea November 30-December 3 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This will be the only venue outside of Spain to host an America’s Cup regatta during the 37th America’s Cup cycle.

The Protocol has up to three preliminary regattas in advance of the 37th America’s Cup, the first of which will take place in 2023 on September 14-17 in Vilanova i la Geltrú, Spain. While the first two events will be in one design AC40s, the final preliminary regatta will be raced in AC75s at the Match venue of Barcelona, Spain.

Racing will happen alongside Jeddah Yacht Club, adjacent to the F1 track on Jeddah’s cornice, and is in partnership with the Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Sailing Federation who have ambitions for the growth of sailing in Saudi Arabia as part of its ‘Vision 2030’.

“As the pinnacle of sailing, I know the 37th America’s Cup and this preliminary regatta can be utilized as an event for positive influence on a number of fronts,” said AC37 Event CEO Grant Dalton.

“When standing back and looking at the opportunity for the growth of our sport that exists in the region it is truly significant. 67% of the country’s population is under the age of 34 years old; women’s participation in sport or physical activity is up 149% in recent years.

“So, we have a unique chance to grow sailing and create new connections with the unprecedented sustainability projects within the Red Sea that can transform lives through sailing and the technologies associated with it.”

The global audience of the America’s Cup grew by a factor of three after the 36th America’s Cup and having a tangible presence in the Middle East with a completely new audience will help to grow the sport and opportunities.

“This is one of the fastest growing sports markets in the world and has a maritime heritage that is ready to be reignited for all Saudi women and men,” explained Samia Bagdady CEO of the Saudi Sailing Federation, a kite surfer and sailor herself.

“Sailing is in its infancy at the moment, but the potential is huge with 9 million people living on the Red Sea coast and fantastic sailing conditions all year round.

“The America’s Cup and the exciting foiling AC40s racing with the world’s best sailors is the perfect catalyst to inspire our people toward sailing and widen access to the Red Sea which has always been an important part of Saudi Arabia’s history and heritage and is integral to Saudi’s sustainable future.

“We want to bring the joy and excitement of sailing to Saudi’s young and old, and one day see an Olympic, Ocean Race or America’s Cup champion representing our country.”

World Sailing, of which the Saudi Sailing Federation is affiliated as a World Sailing Member National Authority, supports their vision and objectives as World Sailing CEO David Graham explains: “World Sailing’s objective is to grow our great sport globally, and certainly Saudi Arabia is a region that is ready and willing to embrace sailing and the marine sector, and develop the sport through their sailing federation.

“They have a number of sailing events on the horizon, the pinnacle of which will be the staging of the 37th America’s Cup Second Preliminary Regatta from 30th November, which we support and look forward to the exciting prospect of the AC40s being raced in Jeddah.”

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)
• K-Challenge Racing (FRA)

Preliminary Regattas
September 14-17, 2023 (AC40) – Vilanova i la Geltrú, Spain
November 30-December 3 (AC40) – Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
August 2024 (AC75) – Barcelona, Spain

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