DutchSail, the late challenger from the Netherlands for the 36th America’s Cup presented by Prada have advised the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron that they are withdrawing from the 36th America’s Cup.
Despite having received such strong backing from the local marine industry and interest from a number of commercial entities they have decided the clock has wound down for them to launch an effective challenge in 2021.
However the other late challenger from the Long Beach Yacht Club - Stars + Stripes Team USA yesterday confirmed their ongoing commitment in a press statement. The Long Beach Yacht Club Commodore, Camille Daniels said: "Long Beach Yacht Club is committed to making the start line at the first America’s Cup World Series Event in Cagliari, Italy, our membership is excited and we are all working hard to achieve our goal of bringing the America's Cup to Long Beach".
Mike Buckley, Co-Founder and Skipper of Stars + Stripes USA said, "We appreciate the continued support of LBYC and its membership, and the assistance of Emirates Team New Zealand and the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, over the past few months as we have reorganized our team. We continue to make progress with corporate partners, and believe we will have what it takes to be competitive in Auckland.”
As part of their commitment Stars + Stripes Team USA will have to complete the entry fee payment process before they will be eligible to race. They have already paid their initial payment but as a late entry challenger under the Protocol they also have a liability to pay a US$1million late entry fee due in instalments by 1 October 2019.
36th America's Cup presented by Prada
The America's Cup is the oldest trophy in sport and is recognised as the pinnacle of sailing. Leading up to the America's Cup Match, are the America's Cup World Series events and Christmas Race in 2020 and the Challenger Selections Series - the Prada Cup - in January-February 2021 to determine the team which will challenge the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand in the America's Cup Match presented by Prada which will take place from 6-21 March 2021 in Auckland.
Prada Cup
The Prada Cup, the Challenger Selection Series for the 36th America’s Cup is the round robin series that will determine which Challenger will compete against the Defender in the America's Cup Match in March 2021 in Auckland. The concept of a Challenger Selection Series originated in 1970, when for the first time in the history of the America's Cup there was more than one international Challenger vying to race against the Defender for the coveted trophy. Organised by the Challenger of Record, the Prada Cup is the final step on the road to the America's Cup.
Media Contacts
Giordana Pipornetti | 36th America's Cup Press Officer
Justin Chisholm | COR 36 | Challenger of Record
Hamish Hooper | Defender | Emirates Team New Zealand