by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News
Barcelona, ​​​​Spain (August 22, 2024) – The start of the final preliminary regatta of the America’s Cup served its purpose: it prepared me for the actual start of the Challenger Selection Series races on August 29.

Today I was able to watch the racing of the new AC75s, which are faster than three years ago. I learned that you have to buy ESPN+ to watch the racing live in the US. And I was reminded that a two-boat race is not very interesting if the two boats are not close to each other.

This happened twice when the Italians lost system power early in their race against the New Zealanders and had to restart the computers as their opponent disappeared over the horizon. The French had their foils fall off before the start against Italy, which quickly sealed their defeat. I muted both races.

As for the early-stage assessment, the Brits have reservations, with skipper Ben Ainslie appearing less than pleased with the US team sailing around him in his only race. If having two Finn champions at the helm doesn’t help a foiler evolve, Ainslie is now paired with skiff champion Dylan Fletcher-Scott, who edged out four-time Finn Gold Cup winner Giles Scott.

The pre-regatta ends on August 25. Click here to read an adjective-laden report from the event authority.

Here’s how you can watch:
On all competition days, racing will begin at 14:00 CET (08:00 ET) and continue until 16:30 or 17:00, depending on the schedule. Depending on the territory, racing may be available on the event website, YouTube and Facebook. Races will also be broadcast in over 200 territories around the world. Click here to check available broadcast options.

Click here for live viewing options.
Click here for competition details.

Following the publication of the AC37 Protocol and AC75 Class Rule on 17 November 2021, the AC75 Class Rule and AC Technical Regulations were finalised on 17 March 2022. The entry period was from 1 December 2021 to 31 July 2022, but late entries for the 37th America’s Cup could still be accepted until 31 May 2023. The defending champion was due to announce the venue of the match on 17 September 2021, but postponed the announcement and finally confirmed Barcelona on 30 March 2022. The 37th America’s Cup will begin on 12 October 2024.

The following teams will challenge defending champions Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL):
• INEOS Britannia (GBR)
• Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI)
• Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (ITA)
• NYYC American Magic (USA)
• Orient Express Racing Team (FRA)

Provisional Regattas 2023-24
14th-17th September 2023 (AC40): Vilanova i la Geltrú, Spain
30 November – 2 December (AC40): Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
August 22 – 25, 2024 (AC75): Barcelona, ​​Spain

Challenger Selection Series 2024
29 August – 8 September: Double Round Robin
14 – 19 September: Semifinals (Best of 9)
26 September – 7 October: Final (Best of 13)

America’s Cup 2024
October 12th – 21st: 37th game (Best of 13)

Click here for competition details.

In addition, 12 teams will participate in the 2024 Youth & Women’s America’s Cup.

Noticeboard: https://ac37noticeboard.acofficials.org/
Event details: www.americascup.com/en/home