The dates and venue for the first America’s Cup preliminary regatta have been announced with AC40 racing due in September in the Catalonian port of Vilanova i la Geltr\u00faThe Catalonian port of Vilanova i la Geltr\u00fa, has today, Friday 17 March 2023, been announced as the Host Venue for the first Preliminary Regatta of the 37th America\u2019s Cup, with racing to take place over four days between 14-17th September 2023 in the newly created AC40 class foiling monohull.
\nIn contrast to the America\u2019s Cup itself, raced in purpose-built AC75\u2019s, which the teams develop themselves within a rule framework, the AC40\u2019s are a strict one-design class. It is these mini foilers that are set to be used by each team in the Youth and Women\u2019s America\u2019s Cups.
\nAlthough the AC40s are a one-design class, teams are allowed to make changes to them during training in order to test concepts for the bigger AC72 America\u2019s Cup boats, but they must be returned to the strict one-design rule set for this event and the Women\u2019s and Youth AC.<\/p>\n
This one-design racing provides little insight into which team might be best set-up to win the America\u2019s Cup itself, as Cup racing is primarily a design competition with the winner, usually the team that is able to develop the fastest boat. However, it will be the first opportunity to pit the sailors of the six competing teams against one another \u2013 and a chance for fans to get an idea of which teams are looking most polished in their foiling teamwork.
\nThe six America\u2019s Cup teams set to compete in both the 37th AC and this preliminary regatta are: Emirates Team New Zealand (Defender), INEOS Britannia (Challenger of Record), Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI), American Magic, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli (ITA), and Orient Express Team (FRA).
\nAll racing will be broadcast free-to-air through a dedicated America\u2019s Cup television production. The regatta will offer the world a first glimpse of what can be expected when the Youth & Women\u2019s America\u2019s Cup races begin in earnest in September and October 2024 in Barcelona and will be the first time the AC40 fleet will race each other.<\/p>\n
In terms of the actual racing, this will take place in a mix of both fleet and match-racing courses, allowing the teams to polish up their match racing skills, the racing format that the America\u2019s Cup itself is run under.
\nJust 45 kilometres southwest along the coast from America\u2019s Cup Host Venue Barcelona, the racing in the area outside the Vilanova i la Geltr\u00fa port entrance will allow for a viewing gallery and wide fan engagement opportunities ashore and should feature similar conditions to those the teams will experience in late 2024 when America\u2019s Cup racing is held in Barcelona.<\/p>\n
If you enjoyed this\u2026.<\/p>\n
Yachting World is the world\u2019s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.<\/p>\n
Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.<\/p>\n
The post America\u2019s Cup: preliminary regatta announced for 2023 appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The dates and venue for the first America’s Cup preliminary regatta have been announced with AC40 racing due in September in the Catalonian port of Vilanova i la Geltr\u00faThe Catalonian port of Vilanova i la Geltr\u00fa, has today, Friday 17 … <\/p>\n