America’s Cup: Challenger series update

by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News
The Louis Vuitton Cup will select the challenger to face the defender in the 37th America’s Cup, and each of the four remaining teams has two goals during the series: improve and advance.

When the British team earned the right to select their semi-final opponent, they decided that advancing was more important, and selected the Swiss team which had been most vulnerable in the qualifying round robin stage. But would the Brits be pushed hard enough to improve?

The British had little trouble beating the Swiss on Day One and Day Two, scoring four wins in the best of 9 semi-final match. Needing one more win, the light winds of Barcelona returned for Day Three, and when the Brits fell off the foils in the only race of the day, the Swiss scored a win to stay alive.

In the other semi final match, the racing was closer between Italy and USA, but in the four races held on Day One and Day Two, the Italians found a way to win when USA couldn’t. However, similar to the Brits on Day Three, Italy made a mess of the only race to give USA their first win.

With all four teams getting a day off before the series resumes on September 18, can the teams sitting at 1-4 win four straight races to advance? The Swiss have appeared out of their element too often, and the USA admits their AC75 has handling problems. Can it all be fixed in a day? Standing by.

Viewing details – Race information – Results – Weather forecast

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