LVC37: Accident damages Kiwi boat

Barcelona, Spain (August 29, 2024) – After racing today for the start of the Louis Vuitton Cup Challenger Selection Series, Team New Zealand was lifting their AC75 ‘Taihoro’ from the water when an issue with the lift had the boat land heavily onto its supporting cradle (see video).

A statement from the team reports they have secured the boat with a portable crane and it is now safely being put back in the shed where the full extent of the damage will be assessed by the team overnight. From initial assessments, a call has been made that Team New Zealand will not be sailing tomorrow.

Once further investigation is made in the following 24 hours, and a full plan for the repair of Taihoro is in place, the team will give a further update on the duration of time the team will be off the water.

“Clearly this is a setback for the team at such an important time of the campaign,” noted Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton. “These are the moments that can define an America’s Cup campaign, and we have an amazing group of dedicated and talent people who will be working around the clock on getting the boat repaired.”

Speaking to STUFF media, Dalton said the crane dropped the AC75 almost 7m, causing what appeared to be a crack on the hull.

The race schedule for tomorrow has four races, with the Kiwi team in matches against Great Britain and France.

UPDATE: The video below now indicates the team is likely out for the remainder of the round robin series.

Viewing details – Race information – Results – 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