Team NZ, Saudi Arabia, sportswashing

Team New Zealand’s pre-America’s Cup regatta in Saudi Arabia has started sinking with the refusal of the New York Yacht Club’s entry, American Magic, to race in Jeddah.

The team says it’s too dangerous for Americans to sail an open water regatta in a place marked by the US State Department as a terror risk. It’s applied to the America’s Cup arbitration panel to be excused without penalty, under Article 71.6 of the Cup Protocol.

This blow comes on top of discontent within New Zealand’s yachting fraternity after the regatta won on home waters in 2021 was moved to Spain.

On The Detail podcast they ask, in chasing the money, is Team New Zealand losing the country? – Full report

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 opened December 1, 2021 and runs until July 31, 2022, but late entries for the 37th America’s Cup may be accepted until May 31, 2023. The Defender was to announce the Match Venue on September 17, 2021 but postponed the venue reveal, confirming it would be Barcelona on March 30, 2022. The 37th America’s Cup will be held in September/October 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)
• K-Challenge Racing (FRA)

Preliminary Regattas
September 14-17, 2023 (AC40) – Vilanova i la Geltrú, Spain
November 30-December 3 (AC40) – Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
August 2024 (AC75) – Barcelona, Spain

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