Jeddah had defied the doom-mongers

Grant Dalton, chief executive of the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona next year, has admitted Saudi Arabia is in the running to host the 2028 edition of sport’s oldest international trophy after a “hugely successful” regatta in Jeddah over the last three days.

In an exclusive interview with Telegraph Sport, Dalton dismissed concerns about ‘sportswashing’, saying the Saudis were excellent hosts and partners.

Saudi Arabia has been on a sporting land grab over the last few years, bringing top level football, boxing, golf, tennis and Formula One to the Kingdom as part of a long-term strategy. The Fifa World Cup, the biggest sporting event in the world outside of the Olympics, is set to take place in the country in 2034.

Saudi Arabia also bid for the 37th America’s Cup. But Dalton, who is also chief executive of defenders Emirates Team New Zealand, in the end agreed a deal with Barcelona after it became clear that it would not be commercially viable to keep the Cup in Auckland. But he admitted if New Zealand successfully defended the Cup again, he would have no issue returning to Saudi Arabia. – 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 begins October 12, 2024.

Teams 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