Kiwi team dodges bullet in accident

Barcelona, Spain (August 30, 2024) – The Emirates Team New Zealand design and shore crews have been working non-stop since yesterday’s haul out incident which damaged the AC75 ‘Taihoro’.

“We have assessed the damage and have now started the repair, this will continue 24 hours a day,” reports team CEO Grant Dalton. “There is some structural damage aft in the boat, but the main force was taken on the forward cradle splash.

“Overnight this area has been removed (in other words we have cut the piece out of the hull bottom) and the repair has started which means building a new piece of boat. We are still unsure why the boat fell, and this is ongoing with the crane technicians.”

The America’s Cup defender has been relieved the damage was not as significant as initially expected.

“You wouldn’t say we were lucky because it was a bad afternoon, but compared to what it could have been we are feeling very thankful for sure,” said structural engineer Dave Olsen.

The team is aiming to be back out on the racecourse tomorrow.

Having not been able to sail today against INEOS Britannia, the British team took a point for the race against Emirates Team New Zealand. However, due to lack of wind, the team’s scheduled race against Orient Express Team France will now be made up on another race day.

“Clearly this is a setback for the team at such an important time of the campaign,” admits 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.”

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)

Team New Zealand competes in the round robin stage only, and the results of their races are not included in the challenger leaderboard. 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