"The Youth America's Cup is something we have been keen to have since winning the America's Cup and introducing foiling monohulls to the America's Cup with the AC75," says Grant Dalton, CEO of defender Emirates Team New Zealand. "The most important aspect of this is that the establishment of the Youth America's Cup, coupled with the exciting new AC9F boat, has created a springboard for the best young men and women around the world to get one step closer to sailing an AC75 in the future. Our current team is the best proof of this. Some crew members were part of the winning Youth AC team in 2013."
The upcoming Youth America's Cup is a joint initiative between the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS), the defending yacht club, and the China Sports Industry Group (CSIG) and Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ). It will begin in November 2020 with a fleet race in China, followed by a match race from 18 to 23 February 2021 in Auckland. The final will take place from 8 to 12 March 2021 directly in front of the RNZYS in the shadow of Auckland's legendary Harbour Bridge
In keeping with the America's Cup foundation charter, it is intended to be a "friendly competition between yacht clubs of all nations". Unlike previous editions, multiple entries from different countries are permitted.
Mixed teams mandatory
The crews must be between 18 and 24 years old. The teams will consist of a mixed crew of four sailors on each boat, including two female and two male sailors with a maximum crew weight of 311 kilograms.
The AC9F is a nine metre foiling monohull designed by New Zealand boatbuilding company Yachting Developments (YDL) with the support of the New Zealand design team from Emirates Team New Zealand, Southern Spars, North Sails and with the support of the New Zealand Marine industry. The fleet of one-design boats is mainly built at YDL in Auckland.
With its involvement, China wants to take a further step towards competitiveness in the America's Cup. "The America's Cup has been the holy grail of sailing for over 160 years and a stage that all sailors dream of," says Wang Weidong, Chairman of the China Sports Industry Group. China is ready to take part in the America's Cup, but must recognise the lengthy development process that is required. "It is important that we pay more attention to nurturing the next generation of top sailors," said Wang. There are many athletes with potential in China. However, there is a lack of experience in global professional competitions.
The first registration deadline for yacht clubs and youth teams is from 12 December to 29 February 2020.
Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital
