America’s Cup: Critics get last laugh

The America’s Cup Defender Team New Zealand was widely criticized for their decision to hold a preliminary regatta in Saudi Arabia. Their choice of overlooking the Kingdom’s oppressive policies to gain hosting fees did not sit well with everyone, but now it appears the critics are getting the last laugh.

War in the Middle East – where Houthi militants are attacking ships linked to Israel in response to that country’s attacks on Gaza – has stalled progress for Team New Zealand’s AC40 which is held up by shipping delays in the Red Sea.

While the Defender still has a testing boat in Auckland, the delay does impact the training for their teams competing in the Youth and Women’s America’s Cup. As a result of delays in getting the boat out of Jeddah, the crews would be getting on the water later than they had anticipated, with appears to be in March.

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 22-25, 2024 (AC75): Barcelona, Spain

2024 Challenger Selection Series
August 29-September 8: Double Round Robin
September 14-19: Semi Finals (Best of 9)
September 26-October 5: Finals (Best of 13)

2024 America’s Cup
October 12-21: 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

Source: ACE