America’s Cup: Questioning recon plan

The America’s Cup has a long history in which teams seek to gather details about their competitors. As these efforts escalated, it became an expensive aspect of the event, so it was with good intentions that the 37th edition had banned spying.

Instead, neutral reconnaissance units administered by the event authority would shadow each team on each and every sailing day, collating reports, photos, videos, and interviews which are then uploaded to a single source for all the teams to view and process independently.

While this plan also gave the public a heightened level of information, the content proved to be painfully dry and technical for the casual viewer. The information also proved to be suspect, according to Ben Ainslie, skipper of the British challenger.

“We have the reconnaissance that covers all of the teams and that’s quite entertaining when you know how your day has gone and you read the write up, and in many cases it’s a million miles off the reality,” said Ainslie. “So, we expect that that’s the same with the other teams as well.

“Until we actually line up proper with these other teams, you’re sort of guessing. There’s a long long way to go between now and when we start competition so it is about getting this boat up to the performance to know it’s optimized. That’s the key.”

For his complete interview, click here.

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 7: Finals (Best of 13)

2024 America’s Cup
October 12-21: 37th Match (Best of 13)

For more schedule details, click here.
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