See you later, it’s been a privilege

The involvement of Team New Zealand in the America’s Cup has earned our praise of the Kiwi STUFF Media group. Duncan Johnstone, who has been covering the sailing, is now retiring after 40 years as a sports writer. Here are his closing words with some comments on those he covered:

What a job, what a time! Like life, it’s gone so quick, but that’s a measure of how much fun it’s been.

This Thursday (June 8), I pull stumps on a journalism career that goes back to 1977, starting at the Gisborne Herald, but since 1981 based at Stuff in its various rebirths, and always in sport.

It doesn’t get much better than being paid to watch sport, even if there are pressures of trying to analyze performances under tight deadlines.

But the people, the events, the triumphs and tears of teams and individuals make this a vocation like no other.

• Grant Dalton: Probably the most polarizing man in NZ sport. I started covering his round the world escapades and that flowed into the America’s Cup. Brutally honest, you always know where you stand with him. Doesn’t suffer fools, incredible drive and his ability to evolve Team New Zealand into a technology outfit is underrated.

• Glenn Ashby: New Zealand’s best Aussie import. A genius at making things go fast in the wind. Just a super guy, so friendly, so chatty, so informative. Helped this landlubber understand a fair bit about yachting.

• Peter Burling and Blair Tuke: So different, so good together. Gifted with a sixth sense on the water that sets them apart. I really admire their drive away from competition with their environmental work. It’s genuine and it’s spot-on. More people in higher places need to take note.

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