LVC37: Storms postpone first cut

Barcelona, Spain (September 8, 2024) – The weather gods delivered dynamic and fast-moving conditions with a northerly airflow switching east but ushering in significant rain showers and the ever-present threat of thunderstorms coming off the hills to the north of the city.

With the risk of lightning coming across the designated racecourse of the Louis Vuitton Cup, shortly before 1330 CET, Race Director Iain Murray instructed the yachts to cease sailing and return immediately to harbor. By 1610, the decision was taken to cancel racing for the day with the wind just not settling, despite the storm clouds clearing, and the boats, who had re-set up along the Barcelona waterfront, towed back to their bases.

The morning was not without drama as the French team suffered a nosedive during practice and were forced to return to their base to repair unspecified structural damage. While repairs by the Shore Team were completed in time for their start against INEOS Britannia, the cancellation ultimately earned them a break.

With one of the five challenger teams to be eliminated, the Race Committee will attempt tomorrow to conclude the closing day of the Round Robin stage of the Louis Vuitton Cup.

For Orient Express Racing Team, who will take on the hard-charging INEOS Britannia in the first race, the deal is simple. Win and they have every chance of forcing a play-off against Alinghi Red Bull Racing. Lose and they are eliminated from the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup.

For the Swiss, who will face Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, they are in for a tricky battle but will know their fate (or exactly what they need to do) with their race being the second on the race schedule behind ‘Le Crunch.’ If the French secure a win, then it’s maximum pressure on Alinghi Red Bull Racing who would need a win against the Italians to avoid a winner-takes-all race-off.

Meanwhile at the top of the standings, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli and INEOS Britannia could be locked in a tie for first place if the British win against France and the Italians lose to the Swiss. That also would force a play-off for the top spot in the Louis Vuitton Cup semi-finals with the winner getting a significant advantage in being able to select both their opponent and the side of the starting line entry in the opening match.

Whoever tops the standings at the end of the Louis Vuitton Cup Round Robin stage will announce their selection of opponent at the pre-Semi–Final Press Conference scheduled for September 13 at 1100 CET.

Viewing details – Race information – Results – Weather forecast

2024 Louis Vuitton Cup 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 Louis Vuitton Cup 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

Source: ACE