Where are the rainbows and butterflies?

As the six entrants for the 37th America’s Cup prepare to compete in a Preliminary Regatta on November 30-December 2 in Jeddah, reports are circulating of private security companies being secured to ensure the team’s safety in Saudi Arabia.

For the USA team, any concern would be warranted as their government has issued a travel warning due to the threat of missile and drone attacks on civilian facilities in the region. But threats come in all sizes, which a 189m vehicle carrier learned on November 19.

Watch video:

مشاهد من العملية العسكرية النوعية للقوات البحرية التي تم خلالها السيطرة على السفينة الإسرائيلية يوم أمس في البحر الأحمر. pic.twitter.com/7dGNtbcMos

— العميد يحيى سريع (@army21ye) November 20, 2023

About 500 miles to the south of Jeddah, the Bahamian flagged M/V GALAXY LEADER was hijacked in the Red Sea… the same Red Sea in which the teams will be racing their AC40s. The attack has some connection with the Israeli conflict, with the attackers warning that all vessels linked to Israel “will become a legitimate target for armed forces.”

Does that include America’s Cup entrants that are allies with Israel?

The US government has issued a warning about how explosive boat attacks are a known threat to commercial vessels operating in the Red Sea, and how U.S. flagged commercial vessels should maintain a vigilant lookout at all times for small boats operating in a suspicious manner.

AC37 Event CEO Grant Dalton reports how this is the first international sailing regatta on the Red Sea. “I take immense pride in being a part of that.”

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 2 (AC40): Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
August 2024 (AC75): Barcelona, Spain

2024 America’s Cup
August 29-October 7: 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