LVC37: Highs and lows as racing begins

Barcelona, Spain (August 29, 2024) – The first stage of the 2024 Louis Vuitton Cup Challenger Selection Series got underway today with four races as the double round robin series seeks to eliminate one of the five challenging teams on September 8. Initial light winds delayed the first start, with wind strength fluctuation making the correct jib size a choice between more power or less drag.

France, looking much sharper, came out with a split in their two races, and while order was set from the start, how close the trailing boat could hang was telling. France beat Alinghi which sagged back during the race, as did France in their loss to Italy. However, when Italy led early against New Zealand, the Kiwis stayed close, were able to pass during the second upwind leg, and were never threatened again. Hmm…

The third race of the day was the shocker as the wind dropped and USA fell off the foils in their pre-start against Great Britain. By the time they got airborne again, their deficit was over 700 meters. However, that margin shrank during the race, with the USA just 116m back at the finish. But a loss is a loss, and was reminiscent of similar starting problems from the 2021 event … ouch!

A post race accident for New Zealand will have them miss tomorrow’s racing where more light winds are in the forecast.

For more race details, click here.

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