Kiwis complicit in sportwashing

It has been over a month since the New Zealand defender of the America’s Cup had organized a preliminary regatta in Saudi Arabia, and yet the Kiwi-friendly press is not ready to let it go. Here are excerpts from a report by sports commentator Peter Lampp for STUFF media:

Everyone is getting too cozy with the Saudi Arabian sportswashers for my liking. Distaste for their repugnant human rights seems to be on the wane as greed takes over.

Their oily currency is taking over world sport and too few people appear to care that beneath their wealthy crust their human rights are medieval, especially their discrimination against women.

Saudi Arabia has zilch yachting pedigree and yet the America’s Cup preliminary regatta was held in Jeddah recently.

We can only assume money talked, especially when New Zealand’s TV channels “sent” reporters to cover the thing and where Team NZ’s Grant Dalton (above) was quoted as saying it might help develop sailing in Saudi Arabia. Yeah, right! – 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