The protocol for the 34th Cup defence was presented today in Valencia. In three years' time, sailing will take place on 72-foot catamarans with fixed wing masts. Before that, there will be a world championship series.
Russell Coutts, record Cup winner and boss of the defending champion BMW Oracle Racing, is certain: "The new format and new boat will bring the Americas Cup back to the top of our sport."
The New Zealander presented the protocol for the 34th Americas Cup, which sets out the framework for the event. "The changes guarantee equal opportunities for the teams and long-term stability, also for the business partners."
Overall, the protocol is very close to the Draft published at the end of June remained.
The key points:
Sailing is on 72-foot catamarans that have a fixed wing mast and conventional foresails. The exact regulations are laid down in the class rules. In addition, a 45-foot catamaran will be introduced, also with a rigid wing.
The AC-72 catamaran in animation
Element not implemented: </span>.</p><p >A new world series is being created (similar to the Louis Vuitton World Series). From 2011, it will take place at various locations around the world, with the annual winner being crowned world champion. It will initially be held on 45-foot catamarans. Construction of the first of these catamarans will begin in December, and by June 20011 there should be a small fleet touring the world.</p> <imagebox src="/__image/a/4358063/alias/xl/v/1/c/10/ar/flexible/fn/a74607fb1facc4641914f12e1684ab04d6b6c2c1.jpg" assetid="4358063" name="a74607fb1facc4641914f12e1684ab04d6b6c2c1.jpg" align="centre"><!-- New: Low-Level-Author as credits --><credits>AC</credits><description>The two new classes AC 45 and AC 72 in comparison</description></imagebox><p >From 2012, the large cats will be used for sailing. The free 45-footers will then be used for the new Youth Americas Cup. This is intended to give young teams the chance to showcase themselves to the public and sponsors.</p><p>In addition, media coverage is to be revolutionised, including by having a permanent cameraman on board and improved presentation via the internet. "We have to reach the Facebook generation," explained Russell Coutts.</p><p >For the teams, participation should be significantly cheaper than before, among other things by limiting the number of boats, sails and training times. The number of crew members has also been set at eleven (previously 17).</p><p >What is still missing is the venue. This will be announced by the end of this year.</p><p >In German Cup circles, the news from Valencia was received critically. Three-time Olympic champion Jochen Schümann, who won the Americas Cup twice with Alinghi, said: "In my opinion, catamarans are not suitable for the Americas Cup. Many Cup enthusiasts will not identify with them."</p><p>Eberhard Magg, match race organiser and co-founder of the first German Americas Cup team, commented: "I'm not worried that we in Germany, Austria and Switzerland will be able to parry the challenge of catamarans and wing masts. I am worried that these radical innovations could destroy the Cup character and meet with a lack of understanding from potential partners."</p><p>Team Germany manager Michael Scheeren was also sceptical: "From our point of view, this is not a desirable concept. Budgets of 20 to 30 million euros by 2013 would be feasible in talks with potential partners for an Americas Cup team under the German flag, but certainly not double that or more. But you should never say never. We will now calmly examine all the facts and await further details."</p> <imagebox src="/__image/a/4358064/alias/xl/v/1/c/11/ar/flexible/fn/27565d37e682fed3d6547cb1ce033148e0ff6b5b.jpg" assetid="4358064" name="27565d37e682fed3d6547cb1ce033148e0ff6b5b.jpg" align="center"><!-- New: Low-level author as credits --><credits>AC</credits><description>Another view of the new big cat</description></imagebox><p><a href="http://cdn.americascup.com/AC34-Protocol-9-Sep-2010.pdf" class="external" debug-follow="no-follow" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Download: The transcript of the 34th defence</a>.<br /></p></content
Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital
