America’s Cup: Swiss break mast

(June 13, 2024) – Alinghi Red Bull Racing was the first team to deliver their AC75 for the 37th America’s Cup to the Barcelona venue, and the Swiss are now the first among the six entrants to break their mast. The failure occurred this afternoon while executing a bear away in 20-knot winds.

“Incidents like this are part of the sport,” said Silvio Arrivabene, team co-general manager. “The team is prepared for this kind of situation and ready with all the necessary spare parts, so the focus is now on getting BoatOne back on the water as soon as possible.”

During the bear away, the forestay went slack just before the mast buckled in two pieces at a third of its height, with the rig collapsing on the deck and into the water. The hull seemed to have not suffered any major damage beside scratched surfaces on the bow.

Italian challenger Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli was nearby, with helm Jimmy Spithill noting how “it was a great breeze and not too rough either, pretty flat seaway.”

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 Challenger Selection Series
August 29-September 8: Double Round Robin
September 14-19: Semi Finals (Best of 9)
September 26-October 7: Finals (Best of 13)

2024 America’s Cup
October 12-21: 37th Match (Best of 13)

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