America’s Cup: Change needed to bridge gender gap

Francesca Clapcich

Despite the hoopla of the inaugural Women’s America’s Cup that seeks to provide new opportunity for females, the pathway beyond to the historic America’s Cup is blocked by design. Story from insidethegames:

Two-time Olympian Francesca Clapcich of Italy has urged future America’s Cup defenders to “change the machine” in a bid to redress the gender balance in one of sailing’s greatest competitions.

Clapcich is part of 11th Hour Racing Team where she is competing alongside men in their mission to win The Ocean Race.

Last year’s organizers of the around-the-world sailing event underlined its ambitions to reach a 50-50 split of women and men within the next three editions of the race. This year, all five IMOCA crews have at least two female sailors on their team with Biotherm featuring five.

Clapcich has hailed The Ocean Race’s drive for equality but insisted that the America’s Cup needed to follow suit to give more women the opportunity to compete.

“The America’s Cup is still really men driven,” Clapcich told insidethegames. “The boats are too hard. Even the strongest woman cannot compete against one of the strongest men, so you need to change the machine to allow for more equality.” – 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)
• 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

Additionally, 12 teams will compete in the 2024 Youth & Women’s America’s Cup.

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