America’s Cup: Buckle up, here we go

by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News
Barcelona, Spain (August 22, 2024) – The start of the final America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta did what it was supposed to, which was to prepare me for when the racing really begins on August 29 in the Challenger Selection Series.

Today I got to see the new AC75s race, which are faster than three years ago. I learned that buying ESPN+ was needed to watch the races live in the USA. And I was reminded that a two-boat race is not very interesting when two boats are not near each other.

This occurred twice, as the Italians lost system power early in their race against the Kiwis, having to reboot the computers as their opponent sailed over the horizon. For the French, they fell off the foils before a start against Italy which quickly secured their defeat. I put both races on mute.

In the much too early to assess department, the British have concerns, as Skipper Ben Ainslie seemed none too pleased to have the USA team sail around him in their only race. If two Finn champions on the helm is not how you develop a foiler, Ainslie is now paired with skiff champion Dylan Fletcher-Scott who displaced 4-time Finn Gold Cup winner Giles Scott.

The Preliminary Regatta concludes on August 25. For an adjective laden report from the event authority, click here.

How to watch:
• Races start at 14:00 CET (08:00 ET) and run until 16:30 or 17:00, depending on the schedule.
• For viewing options, click here.
• For competition details, 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 was from December 1, 2021 until July 31, 2022, but late entries for the 37th America’s Cup could be accepted until May 31, 2023. The Defender was to announce the Match Venue on September 17, 2021 but postponed the reveal, finally confirming 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 competition details, click here.

Additionally, 12 teams will compete in the 2024 Youth & Women’s America’s Cup.

Noticeboard: https://ac37noticeboard.acofficials.org/
Event details: www.americascup.com/en/home