Skunked in Spain

Vilanova i La Geltrú, Spain (September 15, 2023) – The first Preliminary Regatta on the road to the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona was a non-starter on day one as unkind weather plagued the venue for the six teams.

With the first race planned to start at 15:43, Race Director Iain Murray initially delayed dock-out to 15:30 as a fast-moving weather pattern looked to be passing overheard and offshore but as the teams slipped their moorings, torrential rain dumped down alongside lightning.

Giles Scott, helmsman for INEOS Britannia backed Iain Murray and the Race Committee’s decision. “Top wind we saw was 15 knots for about ten minutes, but it was all over the place and not raceable and with the visibility and lightning…the weather God’s were conspiring unfortunately.”

Looking ahead, a decision on the schedule of races for the rest of the regatta will be made tomorrow morning by Murray with an optimistic forecast for a full day of racing

Racing in AC40s is planned for September 15-17.

Details: https://www.americascup.com/events/vilanova
Watch live: https://www.youtube.com/@americascup

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