Four Teams Reiterate America’s Cup Support
Following the announcement that Team Australia will withdraw from the America’s Cup, four teams — Luna Rossa Challenge, Artemis Racing, Ben Ainslie Racing and Team France – confirmed their full support to the event, regardless from the host venue that will be selected.
Bermuda, along with San Diego, is one of the final two venues shortlisted to host the 2017 America’s Cup.
Earlier this month, the Associated Press had reported that some of the potential America’s Cup participants are “unhappy that Bermuda is under consideration” to host the event as they “feel it will be a logistical nightmare.
A statement from the organisers said, “The four teams, who have so far made clear their involvement, also reiterate their commitment to co-operate in a constructive way with the Defender to the sporting and commercial success of the 35th America’s Cup, with the aim of bringing this event to the peak of the world’s professional sport in terms of media, show, public and the intense sporting competition which has always characterised the America’s Cup.
“The teams look forward to establish a constant dialogue with the Defender Oracle Team USA with the intent to fully preserve the principle of “friendly competition between foreign countries“ – one of the core elements of the Deed of Gift that rules the America’s Cup – and to co-operate actively with the Defender to adapt the rules where need be and outline the America’s Cup World Series calendar, as well as the format of the Challengers’ Selection Series and of the America’s Cup finals.”
Max Sirena, skipper of Luna Rossa Challenge, declared: “All the elements for the success of the event are there: after the 34th America’s Cup it is no longer questionable how spectacular the full foiling wing-sail catamarans are! Neither is questionable the excitement, intense competition and high-adrenaline this racing offers!”
Ben Ainslie, Team Principal of BAR, commented: “We are really focussed to help build a successful and sustainable America’s Cup for the future. The America’s Cup is about pushing the technical boundaries of the sport through continued innovation. The AC62 will again be incredibly exciting to watch, both on and off the water, all the ingredients you need for a great sporting event.”
Iain Percy, Team Manager of Artemis Racing, stated: “The next America’s Cup is likely to be the most competitive, exciting and sustainable ever. We cannot wait to compete.”
Franck Cammas, skipper of Team France, declared: “We believe that the format of the next America’s Cup will bring a friendly but fierce competition between the best sailors on the most spectacular machines the America’s Cup has ever seen. The 35th America’s Cup will confirm a new era for sailing, but also for the sport in general and the related technologies, with the most intense competition possible and Team France will be proud to be part of it!”
If the races end up being here, I don’t suppose there’s any way to protect all the sea turtles (and other marine life) that live in the Great Sound. That much added sea activity will surely cause some disrupton to the sea life.