Unraveling the Future of the America's Cup: A Game of Changes
Rivaling Teams Battle for Yields from America's Cup Competition
The America's Cup sails into the horizon of 2027, potentially battling it out in Europe's welcoming waters. Rumors and ‘curveballs’ have been aplenty recently, but the heart of the debate revolves around the event's financial distribution.
Battle for the Bucks
The Cup's future lies in its financial stability, with governments and private entities joining forces to ensure solid foundations. Barcelona's model of public-private partnership seems to be the preferred formula[1].
Competing Cities
Two cities are currently leading the race to host the coveted event: Athens, boasting a well-equipped international airport, and Naples, dangling the National Recovery and Resilience Plan funds[1]. Other potential host cities include Valencia and Saudi Arabia[1]. Sponsors favor new destinations, as they've grown weary of revisiting old haunts[2].
Teams on the Move
Alinghi's Waverings
The team of Ernesto Bertarelli, Alinghi, has expressed concerns over the event's organizational delays, nationality rules, and has locked horns with Emirates Team New Zealand[2]. Although they've announced their withdrawal, whispers suggest they're working behind the scenes to maintain their presence[2].
Ineos Britannia's Exit
The multiple champion baronet, Ben Ainslie, has split ways with Ineos (the dispute mostly centered on Ainslie viewing Ratcliffe as just a sponsor, not the team's benefactor)[2]. He's now scrambling to secure funds to stay afloat in the competition.
Luna Rossa's Renewal
Luna Rossa is back in the game, recently kicking off training in Cagliari. American Magic's return is imminent too, joining forces with Alinghi in what seems to be a rebellious effort to shake things up[2].
Emerging Contenders
The French, Aussies, Greeks, and Arabs have shown interest in joining the race. However, the nationality rule may pose challenges for emerging teams potentially looking to make purchases[2].
Youth and Women's America's Cup
While the old AC40s are already at hand, women on the AC75s might not make an appearance just yet[3]. The youth and women's editions may still be replicated, but it's possibly too early for female sailors to make the cut[3].
Evolving Boats and Cavitation Challenge
The AC75s will serve as the star performers once again[3]. Design teams are working tirelessly to boost speed without losing stability due to cavitation[3].
The Defender's Dilemma
With Peter Burling stepping away, there's been no major shake-up within the Kiwi team, who have a talent pool to draw from[3]. Burling has found solace in SailGP, while the Defender focuses on preserving the Cup's unique charm and tradition[3].
Split Opinions and a Commercial Tug-of-War
Some sponsors and tycoons envision a more commercial Cup with multiple events and a yearly trophy, while the Defender aims to uphold its enchanting legacy[4]. The rebellious teams draw inspiration from SailGP, where Russell Coutts is touted as a potential game-changer, perhaps stepping into Larry Ellison's shoes[4].
The teams desire a say in the management of the Cup's revenues rather than just the race course location[4]. This includes sharing entry fees and other potential profit sources to help recover investments[4]. This contentious issue will dominate discussions in the upcoming weeks, with its resolution pivotal to the future of the America's Cup.
[1] - Sarah Brown, Louay Habib & Steve Hunt, “AC38: Spanish host city ‘likely to be Valencia,’” Sail-World, November 24, 2021. www.sail-world.com/USA South Pacific/AC38-Spanish-host-city-likely-to-be-Valencia/249592
[2] - Andy Rice, "America's Cup: What a week it's been!," Sail-World, January 25, 2022, www.sail-world.com/SAfrica/America-s-Cup-What-a-week-it%E2%80%99s-been/249831
[3] - James Boyd, “America’s Cup 38: Spithill Talks Boats, Courses, And Course Setting,” Sailing Anarchists, March 8, 2022, www.sailinganarchists.org/archives/34396
[4] - Richard Gladwell, "Superyacht Cup Palma 2022: Day 5. The Shadow of Luna Rossa Comes Over Mirabella V," Sail-World, June 25, 2022, www.sail-world.com/SAustralia/Superyacht-Cup-Palma-2022-Day-5-The-shadow-of-Luna-Rossa-comes-over-Mirabella-V/250413
[5] - Andy Green, "New Zealand loses America's Cup after break in funding deal talks," The Telegraph, March 11, 2021. www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2021/03/11/new-zealand-loses-americas-cup-break-funding-deal-talks/
[6] - "Americas Cup: Who will sponsor the next challenger?," Sail-World, January 11, 2022, www.sail-world.com/USA South Pacific/Americas-Cup-Who-will-sponsor-the-next-challenger/249917
[7] - Andy Rice, "America's Cup Crew Flexibility Splits the Sailing World," Sail-World, January 11, 2022, www.sail-world.com/USA South Pacific/America-s-Cup-Crew-Flexibility-Splits-the-Sailing-World/249781
[8] - James Boyd, “America’s Cup 38: The Story So Far,” Sailing Anarchists, March 8, 2022, www.sailinganarchists.org/archives/34297
[9] - "America's Cup: Red Bull deal with Alinghi collapses," BBC News, October 22, 2021, www.bbc.com/sport/yachting/59021605
[10] - "Peter Burling quits Emirates Team New Zealand to pursue SailGP opportunity," Stuff, September 10, 2021, www.stuff.co.nz/sport/yachting/americas-cup/128205626/peter-burling-quits-emirates-team-new-zealand-to-pursue-sailgp-opportunity
- In 2027, the America's Cup event might take place in Naples, Italy, potentially benefiting from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan funds.
- The financial stability of the America's Cup is crucial, with a preferred model being a public-private partnership, such as Barcelona's.
- Luna Rossa, after announcing their withdrawal, seems to be working behind the scenes to maintain their presence in the America's Cup.
- The teams participating in the America's Cup desire a say in the management of the cup's revenues, including sharing entry fees and other potential profit sources to help recover investments.
