Something is amiss or out of place

Roger Vaughan, having written two books about the America’s Cup, has stated how the current “America’s Cup foiling scene is not only boring, it is dehumanizing.” He is not alone with this sentiment, but his opinion is evolving, sort of:

I’m a sucker for a race. I’ll watch any contest including the bunch of infants racing ten yards on their hands and knees I saw on Facebook while their mothers were loudly urging them on. Playoffs in any sport, bring ‘em on, including the Louis Vuitton finals.

I have to admit the AC75s are impressive creations, and I’ve begun to appreciate some of the tactics involved with racing these fast foilers. Slam dunks are out. Tacking to cover can cost you, which leads to risky splits. Just a knot or two of pressure results in 3-4 knots more boat speed. And the pre-starts, while lacking the frantic, match-racing aggressive sparring we sailors are used to, are very critical.

Getting in phase of the shifts still matters, and boat handling mistakes (falling off the foils) cost heavily. The vagaries of the wind still rule the day. And one has to respect the heavy talent involved: Ainslie and Fletcher for the Brits, Spithill and Bruni for Italy. After two races, the score was 1-1. After 4 races, 2-2. Then 3-3. Pretty good contest.

My only problem? This isn’t just some odd, experimental racing. It’s the leadup to the America’s Cup! The Louis Vuitton winner will race New Zealand for the oldest continuing trophy in sport. In foilers, not sail boats. With half the helmeted crew peddling a stationary bicycle to power hydraulics. With all the crew below deck. Huh?!

As the poet Theodore Roethke wrote, “Something is amiss or out of place, when a bat with wings can wear a human face.”

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

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