The entry deadline for the 36th America's Cup has passed. The New Zealand defenders have announced that after the three challenges already accepted from Italy (Luna Rossa), Great Britain (Ineos Team UK) and America (American Magic), they have received eight more by 5pm New Zealand time on 30 November. One of these, according to a statement, could be accepted immediately. Others are "probably not valid" and would have to be subjected to a more detailed review. This process should begin immediately. The announcement of the challenge requests is the responsibility of the respective teams themselves.
"We are really encouraged by the interest we have received from around the world in terms of the number of challenges," said Grant Dalton, CEO of the New Zealand Cup Defenders, whose official umbrella organisation is the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. It had taken a long time, but it was worth the time to give the teams the chance to take part in an event of global significance for New Zealand. However, Dalton said that the number of challenges submitted does not automatically indicate the number of participants that will take part. The exact number of starters could only be named once the verification processes and further negotiations were complete.
An overview of the upcoming edition of the Cup, which will take place in New Zealand in 2021
Dalton explained why the processes will take time and are complicated: The different line-ups of the teams could lead to necessary changes to the Cup protocol. This in turn would require additional agreements with the "Challenger of Record". The "Challenger of Record" is the first challenger in a current Cup cycle and the negotiating partner of the defenders on the challengers' side. In the 36th America's Cup, it is Patrizio Bertelli's team Luna Rossa.
Some of the requests are so-called conditional challenges, Dalton explained. "Just to give you an example, we might have a challenge where the presenter is making their participation conditional on whether there will be an America's Cup World Series regatta in their country. Of course, we can't decide that today and immediately. And such a decision also requires the approval of the 'Challenger of Record'."
According to Dalton, discussions with the New Zealand government and Auckland's city council are also taking place. A maximum of five challengers can be accommodated in the chosen Cup harbour at Wynyard Point. If fewer than three of the late challenges are accepted, the government and council would have the option of not going ahead with plans for the Hobson Wharf extension being considered and significantly reducing costs. Dalton promised a "speedy" decision-making process. The 36th America's Cup will be held in 2021 on new monohull yachts on foils of the AC75 class. The preceding challenger round is planned from January 2021.
Tatjana Pokorny
Sports reporter
