Not only boring, it is dehumanizing

Roger Vaughan, author of LEARNING TO FLY, America’s Cup XXXIII 2010, was curious about the 37th America’s Cup and offers his assessment of the upcoming competition:

Having been involved in the America’s Cup since it restarted in 1958, I wasn’t going to let my disinterest in a foiling Cup keep me away from watching the proceedings. I paid my $10.99 to ESPN+ (USA fee), sat in front of the TV at 8:00 am EDT, and tuned in to the preliminary races. I did that for four days and came away yawning, and disappointed.

The course graphics are impressive, and the “boats” are technological, space-age marvels. No question. But there is no action, unless one is excited by a repeated closeup of a foil going through the water. Unlike a boat, the foiling AC75 is level and steady at 30+ knots. Unless they crash, or come off the foils.

During a race, no person is on deck. There are no sailors seen doing anything like steering, trimming, or changing sails. The tops of helmets are the only clues that people are on board. That, and the heaving backs of the four cyclists in their cubby holes who are powering the hydraulics. The audio clips of their tortured breathing makes one want to call 911. There was a video of their backbreaking training to exhaustion, with them speaking of the agony they endure every race. Shades of rowing Roman Gallies.

There are repeated head shots of the two skippers, seated in their port and starboard cockpits. Viewers are told they are pressing buttons to control the boat. The skippers barely move. Their faces are mostly hidden by helmets and huge reflective goggles. They could be robots.

And the racing? Basically, whoever gets the start wins a dull parade around the course. Of the dozen or more races I watched, there were two noteworthy pre-starts. I felt for the presenters who had to sell this business.

To be fair, the monohulls that used to match race for the Cup weren’t much less boring to watch. One of any two AC boats will inevitably be faster. But the drawn-out prestart competition used to get us off our seats as we watched ace crews handling 12 Meters and IACC boats like dinghies. On the sailboats there were teams of people working, doing things all sailors (all athletes) could relate to. Slower monohulls could win if they were better sailed.

The America’s Cup foiling scene is not only boring, it is dehumanizing.

Viewing details – Race information – Weather forecast

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)

Races start at 14:00 CET (08:00 ET) and run until 16:30 or 17:00, depending on the schedule.

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