AMERICA’S CUP

UPGRADED BOATS AND MORE TEAMS IN SPAIN

The America’s Cup Selection Series opens on 22 August 2024, with the 37th America’s Cup match itself starting on 12 October.

Once again, 75ft foiling monohulls will take centre stage, as the Protocol confirms that the AC75 class will be retained from the last

Cup. Teams have the option of either modifying a first generation AC75 (which opens up the option of new teams buying second-hand), or building a new boat - but can only sail one AC75.

In a forward-facing Cup first, any team entering AC37 has to agree to retain the AC75 class for the following cycle. While traditionalists say this move defies the ethos of the Cup as determined by the Deed of Gift, whereby the winner is free to make the rules as they wish, the new Protocol clearly states that the underlying intention of attracting more teams and promoting sustainability.

The new generation AC75s will bring notable di erences. Overall, we are promised a more exciting boat, capable of higher top speeds and with improved light airs performance thanks to larger foils enabling take o at lower boat speeds and a significant reduction in all-up weight.

“These boats have a lot more to give” – that’s according to ETNZ designer, Dan Bernasconi, a statement made as he revealed a weight saving of around 1 ton compared to the earlier AC75s. The code zero has been dispensed with as “unnecessary”, while there’s a big drop in crew from 11 to 8. To compensate for the reduced ability of smaller crews to produce hydraulic power, teams have the option of grinders or AC36-style cyclors – the latter a particularly likely option for the Brits, considering links to INEOS Grenadiers cycling team, also owned by team backer Jim Ratcli e.

A smaller AC40 is being developed for pre-Cup regattas and also for an all-new Women’s America’s Cup, as well as the re-instated Youth America’s Cup (pulled from AC36 due to Covid).

The UK has Sir Ben Ainslie’s INEOS Britannia entered for the America’s Cup, with a team led by Hannah Mills going for the Women’s America’s Cup.

The French, Swiss, USA and New Zealanders are also in the competition, which promises to be a scintillating a air, from Barcelona.