by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News
Three-time Olympic medalist Hannah Mills reports how her involvement with the inaugural Women’s America’s Cup is harder than the Olympics. That’s surprising, given the number of people that want Olympic medals and the years of commitment it took to win three. Maybe it’s the learning, as the AC40 makes elite sailors look mortal.
Or maybe its the hype.
While I am stoked the women are getting this opportunity and experience, I struggle with the hype. I always do, as most things that work as hard as this event to convince me it will be great fall short of the promise. This is no disrespect to the competitors. I don’t hate the players. I hate the game.
The ‘America’s Cup’ brand requires excellence, but with a lack of practice time, the women’s teams are learning to sail under the spotlight. And when the PR says the event has attracted the “world’s greatest women sailors”, the broadcast optics don’t match.
Naval architect Mike Waters also takes issue with the “greatest” claim as he explains:
I need to correct something which is the out-of-proportion reporting on the Women’s America’s Cup.
Now first, I want to make clear that I am a huge fan of woman’s sports and support this breakthrough competition as much as anyone. But I can say with assurance that the claims we are now reading in almost every news media are just ridiculous, and distort reality so much that it will cause more harm than good overall.
I am talking about the oft repeated comment that this is racing for the “finest female athletes on the planet” which is total nonsense to anyone (especially females) who have faced days, weeks, or even months ocean racing or any comparable marathon..
It’s an insult to the amazing Olympic athletes choosing not to be involved, or those who singlehand 60 footers around the world in the Vendee Globe as well as to those who cruise extensively in open waters in whatever weather is thrown at them … such as Lin Pardey and MANY others.
While the sailors of these computerized foilers are certainly athletic, and it’s all fascinating and impressive to watch, but when most of their pre-training was on the simulators, they are as much ‘gamer’ as real sailors. They race within a safe wind range, pushing buttons for 15 minute races, without enduring extreme wind and waves which require elite athleticism the hype portrays.
While these are all great competitors and have proven to be exceptional sailors in races around-the-buoys at international events and the Olympics, they are NOT ‘the finest female sailors (or athletes) on the planet’ and we need to call out the event and media for poorly informing the general public with their ridiculous distortion of the facts.
I still love to watch them compete, and they have my full admiration for their tactical skills, but everyone needs to dial down the hype.
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/2024/10/10/over-hype-does-disservice-to-women/
