That the New Zealanders and the British would continue their co-operation in the 38th America's Cup (AC38) after their co-production was already clear, even without official confirmation at the end of the 37th America's Cup. Now came the pending public commitment of the old and new Cup defenders to their British Challenger of Record - the old and new "negotiator" on the side of the challengers.
Kiwis and Brits organise 38th America's Cup
A statement said: "The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) and Emirates Team New Zealand are delighted to confirm that the RNZYS has accepted a challenge for the 38th America's Cup (AC38) from the Royal Yacht Squadron Limited, represented by Ineos Britannia, who will act as Challenger of Record for the AC38. The parties are already working together to pave the way for the 38th America's Cup, building on the success of the Louis Vuitton 37th America's Cup in 2024."
So much for the intentions of Kiwis and Brits. RNZYS Commodore Gillian Williams said. "It's great to have the RYS involved again as they were the first yacht club to present this trophy over 173 years ago, establishing the legacy of the America's Cup. Together with Emirates Team New Zealand, we look forward to building on the already strong foundations created by the collaboration at the 37th America's Cup. And we will continue to work with them on the details for the upcoming event."
Next venue to be finalised by summer 2025
So much for the basic premise of the new America's Cup cycle. It has been agreed that AC38 will be a multi-challenger event. The following points have already been agreed between the Defender and Challenger of Record:
- The yacht class is the AC75 and the teams are only allowed to build a new AC75 for the AC38
- The existing rule on crew nationality in the AC37 protocol will be retained, with the provisions on emerging nations to be revised
- It is intended to hold the AC38 competition within three years of the end of the AC37 competition, subject to any adjustments required for the hemisphere in which it is to be sailed, with the venue to be announced by the organiser within eight months of the last race of the AC37 competition and a protocol also published as soon as possible within that period
- The following restrictions apply to the sailing and testing of AC75 and AC40 yachts:
- No sailing of AC75 yachts for a period of 12 months from the date of the last race in the AC37 match (Red.: 19 October 2024), except when participating in pre-regattas that can be organised with an exemption for the earlier sailing of AC75 yachts by new teams
- No development of LEQ yachts, but no restriction on sailing AC40 yachts "in class" (editor's note: a new racing series is planned)
- A limit on the total number of sailing days for AC75 yachts is to be introduced
Upper limits for budgets and CO₂ emissions
The Defender and the Challenger of Record have agreed to "examine and, if necessary, implement further sensible measures to reduce costs". These are to include upper limits for budgets and CO₂ emissions. The intention is to increase the number of pre-regattas to enable more regular races with a mix of AC40 and AC75 races during the 38th America's Cup cycle. Both fleet and match racing formats will be considered for the AC40 and AC75 races.
Both the Defenders and the Challenger of Record want to continue and further develop the Women's and Youth America's Cup formats. However, the answers to the key questions surrounding the 38th America's Cup will be a while in coming, as the current statement signals: "Further details on the expected schedule, venue and related issues will be announced in due course."
According to unanimous statements made immediately after the end of the 37th America's Cup, it is certain that the Cup premiere in Barcelona will not be continued. It has not yet been decided whether the America's Cup will continue in another European harbour, in Auckland, in Jeddah or even with a combination of several venues.
Women's & Youth America's Cup stay
The teams in power are thinking hard about how they can mobilise more nations for the America's Cup. Compared to the SailGP with currently eleven nations or even the once very French Vendée Globe With eleven nations now represented in the tenth edition, the 37th America's Cup attracted just five challengers to New Zealand's defenders. In 2007, however, there were eleven nations at the celebrated 32nd America's Cup in Valencia.
Bertie Bicket, Chairman of the re-challenging Royal Yacht Squadron Ltd, said: "We are determined to work with the Defender to agree a protocol aimed at encouraging more participating Challenger countries and to further promote and grow both the Women's Cup and the Youth America's Cup."
New Zealand's Cup Chief Conductor Grant Dalton commented: "The 38th America's Cup began the moment the team crossed the finish line in Barcelona on 19 October. It is very exciting to continue the continuity with Ineos Britannia as Challenger of Record to grow the America's Cup globally. The third generation of the AC75 and the unrivalled reach of the Louis Vuitton 37th America's Cup in Barcelona will be of great benefit to this unique sporting event and we look forward to announcing further plans in due course."
Ainslie continues to fight for the America's Cup
Ineos Britannia's Chief Executive Sir Ben Ainslie was also keen to comment on the official launch of the new Cup: "The 37th America's Cup has been a great success both on and off the water, demonstrating the unique value of the America's Cup as a global sporting event. We look forward to supporting Defender in developing the continued growth of the Cup for AC38 and into the future."
