Can’t tell the players without a program

While the Preliminary Regatta for the 37th America’s Cup on September 15-17 will provide teams with the first opportunity for competition, don’t expect to see much of the sailors. Unlike the AC75s during the 2021 America’s Cup, the crew on the AC40s don’t change sides.

While crew numbers on the AC75 have been reduced from 11 to eight for the 2024 Match, the AC40 only needs four people. More so, With aero drag a prominent consideration, the sailors – adorned in helmets and safety suits – will be well tucked into their cockpits.

Without a program, there is no telling who is onboard, though each team will have a driver and trimmer on each side of the boat. Teams are only required to reveal their crew list by noon of each race day, but based on preliminary information, here are the likely line-ups to be racing in the Catalan port of Vilanova i La Geltrú, Spain:

Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL)
The Kiwi sailing line-up features the familiar faces of Peter Burling as Skipper and Helmsman, Blair Tuke and Andy Maloney as trimmers and the first time Nathan Outteridge will race officially for the kiwi team as co-helm in competitive America’s Cup racing. Josh Junior and Sam Meech will provide backup as reserve sailors for the team.

INEOS Britannia (GBR)
The British crew selection features Sir Ben Ainslie and Giles Scott sharing the double helm position for the first time on a race course. The pair, who bring six Olympic gold medals to the table, will be joined by Bleddyn Mon and Leigh McMillan in the trimmer’s seats – both previous world champions and experienced America’s Cup campaigners.

Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI)
Arnaud Psarofaghis and Maxime Bachelin will be at the helm supported by trimmers Yves Detrey and Bryan Mettraux. The reserves include helmsman Nicolas Charbonnier and trimmers Nicolas Rolaz and Lucien Cujean.

Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (ITA)
The final crew will be selected on a daily basis from the following: Jimmy Spithill (helmsman), Francesco Bruni (helmsman), Marco Gradoni (helmsman), Ruggero Tita (helmsman), Umberto Molineris (trimmer), Andrea Tesei (trimmer), and Vittorio Bissaro (trimmer).

NYYC American Magic (USA)
While the squad has yet to reveal their crew, expect Tom Slingsby and Paul Goodison on the helm with consideration of Andrew Campbell, Michael Menninger, Riley Gibbs, and Lucas Calabrese as trimmers.

Orient Express Racing Team (FRA)
Skipper Quentin Delapierre will helm alongside co-pilot Kevin Peponnet with race trimmers Matthieu Vandamme and Jason Saunders.

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 begins October 12, 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)
• Orient Express Racing Team (FRA)

2023-24 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

2024 America’s Cup
September: Challenger Selection Series
October 12 – ?: 37th Match (Best of 13)

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