'America's Cup conflict heads toward a complicated path' - Matt Sheahan (paraphrased)
The 38th America's Cup has kicked off, but the excitement is overshadowed by a lingering dispute between the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, and the Challenger of Record. The core disagreement revolves around the draft protocol for the competition, with public exchanges described as feisty and a risk of disrupting the competition cycle.
The AC Partnership (ACP), consisting of the Defender, the Challenger of Record, and other prospective competitors, is responsible for the format of racing, commercial rights, and selection of host cities. However, the dispute between the two parties has slowed progress, causing concern about starting racing and testing on time.
On the other hand, significant changes are proposed for the AC75 class yachts. The new AC75s will feature a reduction in crew size from eight to six, with no cyclors or grinders. Instead, propulsion and onboard systems will rely solely on electric power. This shift aims to promote diversity, innovation, and decarbonisation of the sport, with the crew composition mandating the inclusion of a female sailor and an under-25-year-old sailor. An optional seventh "guest" crew position has also been proposed.
Naples has been announced as the venue for the next America's Cup, but some Challengers voiced concerns that the Defender wasn't following the draft rules they were still working on. The British, American, Swiss, and Kiwi teams are on one side of the dispute, while the Italians and French are on the other.
If the dispute deepens and cooperation ends, a DoG match (a one-on-one race between the Defender and the Challenger of Record) could be expensive and mark a design re-set. For the Kiwis, a DoG match would be a significant financial risk and a relinquishing of control over the rules. Meanwhile, the Italians and French find competing closer to home easier, and the French are delighted at the prospect of a home America's Cup.
A proposed spending cap of €60million for the next America's Cup and a seventh position as a guest slot in the competition have been suggested to help level the playing field and encourage more teams to participate.
The next America's Cup promises to be a game-changer with its focus on sustainability and inclusivity. Losing the AC75 rule now would remove stability for the next Cup cycle, and uncertainty holds back investment. The race is on to resolve the dispute and ensure a smooth competition ahead.
[1] America's Cup Official Website [2] Yachting World [3] Sail-World [4] Sailing Today
Sports enthusiasts are anxiously waiting to see whether the ongoing dispute between Emirates Team New Zealand (Defender) and the Challenger of Record will be resolved in time for the America's Cup, as delays could affect the competition's racing, testing, and selection of host cities. The proposed changes to the AC75 class yachts, featuring a shift towards electric propulsion and greater inclusivity, add an exciting dimension to the sport, with a potential spending cap and a guest slot also proposed to encourage more teams to participate. [1], [2], [3], [4]
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