Italy and USA for Youth America’s Cup

Barcelona, Spain (September 24, 2024) – The Youth America’s Cup will be decided by one winner-take-all match race between Italy and USA on September 26. The teams, representing Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli and NYYC American Magic respectively, survived an elimination format that began with 12 teams.

Today was elimination day as six teams – three representing America’s Cup entrants and three as invited nations – had a four race series to determine the two finalists.  With 12-17 knots and flat seas, the playing field was leveled for an event in which some teams had more experience with the AC40.

While the Italian team, led by Marco Gradoni, continued to dominate the field, the USA was less consistent but survived a final race in which Great Britain and Sweden were within reach of advancing. Noted USA port helm Kyle Navin, “Out on the racecourse we had a couple hard moments, but we recovered quickly and ended up making it to the final.”

On the starboard helm for USA is Harry Melges, whose grandfather Buddy Melges captured the 1992 America’s Cup on America3, the last successful defense of the Cup by an American team.

“I think my grandfather would be very excited to see a young American team up here competing,” said Melges. “He inspired me and a lot of young sailors from the Mid-West to keep pushing and be involved in high level competitions like this.”

Crew for the USA are Melges and Navin along with Severin Gramm (starboard trimmer), and Finn Rowe (port trimmer). Crew for Italy are Gradoni (starboard helm), Gianluigi Ugolini (port helm), Federico Colaninno (starboard trimmer), and Rocco Alekos Falcone (port trimmer).

Viewing details – Race information – Results – Weather forecast

Format: Beginning September 17, 12 teams were split into two groups of six for an initial fleet race series in the AC40s. The top three teams from each side after eight races race together in four fleet races to decide the top-two crews and from there it’s a one-race, winner-takes-all for the title on September 26.

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 Youth America’s Cup and Women’s America’s Cup.

Noticeboard: https://ac37noticeboard.acofficials.org/
Event details: www.americascup.com/en/home

Source: ACE, Jan Pehrson