AC Teams To Vote On Cost Cutting Measures
The six teams entered in the America’s Cup will vote this week on whether to adopt a new America’s Cup Class that will significantly reduce costs.
“The new America’s Cup Class under consideration is a wing-sailed, foiling catamaran between 45 and 50 feet,” according to the America’s Cup website. “The boat would make its debut for racing in Bermuda in 2017.
Grant Dalton from the New Zealand team discussing the possible changes
“If these changes are adopted it seems certain new teams will join this edition of the Cup,” said Russell Coutts, the CEO of the America’s Cup Event Authority [ACEA].
“We’re trying to take as big a step as possible to reduce costs now and in the future. The good news is all six teams agree we should reduce the size of the boats to save money. However there is still some debate as to the size of the boat we should adopt.
“While some teams would prefer a smaller change that wouldn’t result in such significant cost-savings, the majority believe it is better to take a bolder step that will work for this edition of the America’s Cup and for future editions as well.
“When it comes to cost-reduction, size matters. Under 50 feet, real savings kick in on all levels: design, boat-building, sailing team and operations, so that’s why we’re looking at this range.”
Six teams are set to compete in the 2017 America’s Cup, including defending champion Oracle Team USA, Artemis Racing from Sweden, Ben Ainslie Racing from Great Britain, Emirates Team from New Zealand, Luna Rossa Challenge from Italy and Team France.
Italian challengers Luna Rossa said they are “distinctly opposed to the proposal” to use smaller boats in the America’s Cup, saying “if the principle of unanimity of all challengers required to change the Class Rule were not to be respected Luna Rossa will be obliged to withdraw from the 35th America’s Cup.”
