The inaugural Women’s America’s Cup sought to give opportunity and experience to female sailors in the AC40 boat, the foiler used for training by the America’s Cup teams. But advance access to the boats varied among the 12 entrants, especially as six teams were affiliated with America’s Cup efforts, while six independent teams were not.
The two groups have a separate qualification stage, with the top three from each group coming together for the 4-race semi-finals to advance the top two teams for the final match. This was the format also used for the Youth America’s Cup, and not surprisingly, the Cup teams had the advantage. How’s it going for the women?
Jan Pehrson checks in with the independent teams:
(SWE) Ida Svensson, Starboard Trimmer, Swedish Challenge powered by Artemis Technologies
Sweden was the only team to have secured an AC40 for training, and they used that experience advantage to lead their group.
“We’ve been training all summer here in Barcelona, around 80 days, so we’ve gained some experience especially compared to the other teams. The learning curve is huge on these AC40s”
(NED) Annette Duetz, JAJO Team Dutchsail
“Before the racing we had zero practice in the actual boat, we practiced in the simulator. I think the biggest challenge is just sailing the boat, and at the same time, having the headspace to look around and make decisions in time. And to keep it up to speed. And keep it foiling. It takes a lot of focus to do all this at once because we’re so new to the AC40 boats. I think our learning curve is massive. The cool thing about the four days that we actually had racing the AC40 were all quite different. So all the time we learn new things.”
(ESP) Neus Ballester, Starboard helm, Sail Team Barcelona
“We have had probably five days or less practice on the water in AC40s. We’ve sailed a lot in the simulator, but not on the water. It’s different, the feeling of speed in one from the other. I think we’ve made real improvement in the team because on the first day.”
(AUS) Olivia Price, Starboard helm, Andoo Team Australia
“We had a small window of training before the regatta. We are still learning how to sail the boats, rather than being able to look out of the boat and go sailing. We know what to do, we are talented sailors, but it is hard to execute strategy when you are focused inwards.”
(CAN) Isabella Bertold, Starboard helm, Concord Pacific Racing
“We had a few hours of practice on the water in these boats before racing. The simulator is good, but it’s missing some things. For example, you can’t steer the waves in the simulator. The waves in the simulator just follow the wind. Especially the trimmers must learn as they go and try different things in the moment. The learning curve to sail these boats is vertical.”
(GER) Maru Scheel, Port helm, America’s Cup Team Germany
“For sure we did not have enough time on the boat, but I had the privilege that I could sail in the youth event so had a few more days. Every hour or every maneuver on this boat counts, you learn so much during a day or during a leg even. Every day we had different conditions which didn’t make it easier for us. You must adapt, but when it’s new you learn and then can do better.”
Format: Twelve teams are split into two groups of six for an initial fleet race series in the AC40s. The top three teams from each side after eight races will race together in four fleet races to decide the top-two crews and from there it’s a one-race, winner-takes-all for the title.
Viewing details – Race information – Results – Weather forecast
Following the publication of the AC37 Protocol and AC75 Class Rule on November 17, 2021, the AC75 Class Rule and AC Technical Regulations were finalized on March 17, 2022. The entry period was from December 1, 2021 until July 31, 2022, but late entries for the 37th America’s Cup could be accepted until May 31, 2023. The Defender was to announce the Match Venue on September 17, 2021 but postponed the reveal, finally confirming Barcelona on March 30, 2022. The 37th America’s Cup begins October 12, 2024.
Teams revealed to challenge defender 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)
2023-24 Preliminary Regattas
September 14-17, 2023 (AC40): Vilanova i la Geltrú, Spain
November 30-December 2 (AC40): Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
August 22-25, 2024 (AC75): Barcelona, Spain
2024 Louis Vuitton Cup Challenger Selection Series*
August 29-September 9: Double Round Robin
September 14-19: Semi Finals (Best of 9)
September 26-October 7: Finals (Best of 13)
*Team New Zealand competes in the round robin stage only, but the results of their races were not included in the challenger leaderboard.
2024 America’s Cup
October 12-27: 37th Match (Best of 13)
For competition details, click here.
Additionally, 12 teams will compete in the Youth America’s Cup and Women’s America’s Cup.
Noticeboard: https://ac37noticeboard.acofficials.org/
Event details: www.americascup.com/en/home
Source: https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2024/10/09/learning-curve-is-huge-on-ac40s/
