BARCELONA, Spain (25 August 2024) – Moet & Chandon champagne was sprayed over Team New Zealand in the final round of the America's Cup qualifying regatta, held from 22-25 August. Despite a final-day loss to the USA, New Zealand's defenders continue to set a standard for others to chase.
After a round robin series the top two teams, New Zealand and Italy, progressed to a winner-take-all final match race. The wind died down during the day and although modifications to the AC75 were made to improve light air flying, one metre waves proved to be a compounding variable, but New Zealand minimised errors to win.
“I think it was incredibly tough sailing in those conditions. We had quite a few issues to deal with on the boat but we were lucky to get them a penalty before the start,” New Zealand captain Peter Burling said. “We were surprised the second penalty was cancelled while they were still ahead of us but we worked our way through from there and were really pleased to be able to overtake.”
“I knew it would be tough and I struggled to get the shifts right, but it's going to be a close regatta. The key is to get the phases right and sail the boat in the right place. I was a little frustrated with how I sailed today, but it's something I can look back on and review later.”
New York Yacht Club's American Magic missed the race against France on the penultimate day with rudder problems but bounced back to hand New Zealand their only defeat of the night.
“Really happy with the sailing today,” said U.S. helmsman Paul Goodison. “We were really disappointed to miss the race with France yesterday, so to win today is really awesome.”
“It's especially satisfying to achieve that as we're expecting lighter and trickier conditions as the event progresses. To be able to perform well in those conditions and race well as a team was a massive win for the team.”
Terry Hutchinson, skipper and president of sailing operations for NYYC American Magic, came ashore satisfied with the win over Emirates Team New Zealand but focused on the challenges ahead.
“The guys sailed really solidly today, just like we talked about. We have a learning curve in front of us to improve almost vertically, which is really encouraging because it shows the potential of the Patriots and the potential of our team,” Hutchinson noted.
“We just need to keep moving forward, bit by bit, and put it all together. It's hard not to be happy, but we're still in third place. So if we win some battles but we don't win the war, we need to keep the bigger picture in mind. And I think that's what we're going to do.”
All eyes are on the Louis Vuitton Cup Challenger Selection Series, which begins on August 29th, with every race and every point counting.
Viewing details – Race information – Weather forecast
2024 Challenger Selection Series
August 29th – September 8th: Double round robin
September 14th – 19th: Semi-finals (Top 9)
September 26th – October 7th: Finals (Top 13)
The race will start at 14:00 CET (08:00 ET) and will last until 16:30 or 17:00 depending on the schedule.
Following the publication of the AC37 Protocol and AC75 Class Rules on 17 November 2021, the AC75 Class Rules and AC Technical Regulations have been finalised for 17 March 2022. The entry period was from 1 December 2021 to 31 July 2022, but late entries for the 37th America's Cup will be accepted until 31 May 2023. Defender had planned to announce the match venue on 17 September 2021, but postponed the announcement, which was finally finalised for 30 March 2022 in Barcelona. The 37th America's Cup will kick off on 12 October 2024.
The squad that will challenge the defending Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL) has been announced:
• Ineos Britannia (GBR)
• Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI)
• Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (ITA)
• NYYC American Magic (USA)
• Orient Express Racing Team (France)
2023-24 Qualifying Regatta
14-17 September 2023 (AC40): Vilanova i la Geltru, Spain
November 30th – December 2nd (AC40): Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
22-25 August 2024 (AC75): Barcelona, Spain
2024 Challenger Selection Series
August 29th – September 8th: Double round robin
September 14th – 19th: Semi-finals (Top 9)
September 26th – October 7th: Finals (Top 13)
2024 America's Cup
October 12-21: Match 37 (Round 13)
For more information about the contest, click here.
Additionally, 12 teams will compete in the 2024 Youth and Women's America's Cup.
Message board: https://ac37noticeboard.acofficials.org/
Event details: www.americascup.com/en/home
