America’s Cup teams prepare for launch

When the venue for the 37th America’s Cup Match was revealed nearly two years ago, it was that moment for entrants to begin working on the launch schedule. With just one AC75 permitted for each team, the later the launch offers more design time but less time on-the-water. The decision on that balance for the competitors is now being revealed.

Per event rules, teams are required to provide a 2-month notification of intention to launch their respective new AC75s, and that was done this week by Team New Zealand and Alinghi Red Bull Racing (Feb. 6) followed by Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli (Feb. 7).

Due to the constructed-in-country rule, the Kiwi team, with the greatest distance to travel, is paying the price for their choice of Barcelona to defend. Their local launch in autumn offers limited time in their new AC75 with local support on-hand for any issues before a shipment time of 47 days from Auckland to Barcelona.

When they schedule transport will be based on how much training time is needed in Barcelona before racing begins August 22 in the final Preliminary Regatta and Double Round Robin stage of Challenger Series. To their benefit, they will then have over two weeks to further refine their AC75 before the Match (see below).

For Alinghi Red Bull Racing, they chose time on the water to refine systems from an April launch until racing begins in the final Preliminary Regatta. While the sailing team sat out the last America’s Cup, the design team led by Marcelino Botin worked for USA team, so they are leaning on that experience and their Decision S.A build team near Lausanne, Switzerland.

While Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli will launch their AC75 in Sardinia, no launch date is yet revealed for INEOS Britania, though their AC75 has been taken out of the Jason Carrington build shed over in Hythe, Southampton, and may now be en route to Barcelona.

No news yet from Orient Express Racing Team who bought an Emirates Team New Zealand design package and have their boat in-build at the Multiplast yard in Vannes, France. Also quiet is NYYC American Magic who have a shipping timeframe to consider with their AC75 being built in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.

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