The America’s Cup is no stranger to public fallings-out and backroom dealings, but the twists and turns of the venue selection for the 37th America’s Cup must rank alongside the very worst of America’s Cup disputes.
The Protocol for the 37th America’s Cup is due to be published on 17 November, 2021. Ahead of that announcement, which will include the design and rules for the next regatta, the venue for AC37 was due to be announced on 17 September. However, Cup holders Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) and the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS), announced instead that they were extending the selection period for shortlisted venues.
In a statement RNZYS Commodore Aaron Young said: “For the benefit of both the 37th America’s Cup and the eventual host venue, we’d rather allow some more time now so we make the right decision as opposed to a rushed decision.”
With increasing uncertainty regarding where the event may be heading, key figures in the Cup world began to voice their frustrations. “New Zealanders are great at saying a lot and saying nothing,” Luna Rossa skipper Max Sirena said at a press conference at Genoa Boat Show. “We do not know where the Cup will be held, when, with what rules, with how many and which boats.”
Meanwhile, an unedifying battle of words broke out between Emirates Team New Zealand and Mark Dunphy, a New Zealand petroleum magnate who called for ETNZ CEO Grant Dalton’s sacking then pledged NZ$20 million to try and force ETNZ to defend the Cup in Auckland.
This story is from the November 2021 edition of Yachting World.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 2021 edition of Yachting World.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
5 EXPERT TIPS BOB BEGGS ON SAILING IN COLD WEATHER
As temperatures drop, Andy Rice gets tips on how to handle the cold from self-confessed Arctic weather fan and winning Clipper Round the World Race skipper Bob Beggs
SPECIAL REPORT EXTENDED CRUISING IN THE BALTIC
Sweden offers cruisers a warm welcome for winter - Janneke Kuysters has advice on how to boost your sailing time in the region
NIKKI HENDERSON
SEARCHING FOR MORE SPEED? BEFORE TINKERING WITH TINY ADJUSTMENTS, MAKE SURE YOU'VE GOT THE BASICS RIGHT THE POWER DRIVING THE BOAT
MATTHEW SHEAHAN
WHAT WILL THE BOATS OF THE 38TH AMERICA'S CUP LOOK LIKE? THAT'S THE $20 MILLION QUESTION IF BRITAIN OR NEW ZEALAND DECIDE TO DEPART FROM THE AC75
60-knot squalls hit Middle Sea Race
The 45th running of the Mediterranean offshore, the Rolex Middle Sea Race, saw a spectacularly random mix of conditions - even for a race which is famed for its variable weather patterns.
Italy win first Women's Cup
The first ever Women's America's Cup was won by Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli after a single, twoboat shoot-out final on 12 October.
'Three-peat' for ETNZ
As Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand came into this year's 37th America's Cup as clear favourites. But the Kiwi camp has far more than just the structural advantage of being the ones that wrote the Protocol for the competition, and the originators of the AC75 concept.
ROOM WITH A VIEW
SWEDISH DESIGNER GABRIEL HEYMAN POURED A LIFETIME OF IDEAS INTO THIS PILOT SALOON CRUISER, WHICH INCLUDES ARGUABLY THE LARGEST COCKPIT AVAILABLE AT THIS SIZE
LIVING HISTORY
THE ICONIC SEASON-CLOSING REGATTA LES VOILES DE SAINT TROPEZ WAS AN IMMERSIVE HISTORY LESSON FOR CROSBIE LORIMER
CHANGE OF PLAN
LEAVING AUSTRALIA, MARIANNE URTH NEVER PLANNED TO MAKE LANDFALL IN THE ISLANDS OF VANUATU, BUT THE EXPERIENCE WAS MAGICAL
