Keeping quiet is not a growth formula

by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News
The eagerness for the America’s Cup to be front page news is countered by the cooperation of the teams to allow it. Sport goes beyond wins and losses and relies on characters to care about. But as the crew pool shrinks on the AC75 yacht, and now tucked into cockpits, caring is getting hard.

The NYYC American Magic team has been the most reserved of the competing teams, and when one of the helms – Paul Goodison – had an accident, the team kept the news quiet for two days before revealing that back-up helm Lucas Calabrese would take his place.

It was rumored that Goodison had broken ribs from a fall, but team leader Terry Hutchinson would only offer how the injuries were “a personal matter for him and his family.” But then Goodison, on his personal Instagram page, revealed all on September 13:

“Last Saturday, September 7th, I sustained an injury onboard Patriot, resulting in five broken ribs. After racing, while preparing the boat for towing, I was lifting the mainsail across the deck and fell through an open hatch into the hull. I struggled to breathe after the impact, but the extent of the injury wasn’t fully clear until further examination and imaging at the hospital. I’m now working closely with the medical team to assess my return to racing as soon as possible, while continuing to support the team’s path to the Semi-Finals.”

I’ve broken ribs, and it is miserable but healable. Keeping the news quiet for nearly a week was likely strategic, as a shift to Calabrese was a set-back. But keeping fans at arm’s length is no way to build interest, which is what the event seeks to do. And the beat goes on.

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 9: 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, but the results of their races were not included in the challenger leaderboard.

2024 America’s Cup
October 12-27: 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