The 36th America’s Cup will see Emirates Team New Zealand attempt to defend the ‘Auld Mug’ against a fleet of exceptionally strong and well-resourced challengers in the new AC75 class sailboats in Auckland, New Zealand, from the 6th to the 21st of March 2021.
The confirmed challengers include: Challenger of Record Luna Rossa Challenge, NYYC American Magic, Ineos Team UK, and Stars & Stripes Team USA.
The biggest question mark though is the progress on each of the teams highly anticipated second AC75’s currently in production in their home countries. Build timelines that were well established long before COVID19 had made itself known to the world
Do the teams complete the build at home, or get their new boats to Auckland to finish? Do they ship them or fly them direct to Auckland. And most importantly- how will they compare relative to each other when they eventually see the light of day.
The new AC75 is a monohull with unique features such as canting ballasted T-wing hydrofoils mounted on port and starboard topside longitudinal drums, a double-skinned semi-battened mainsail and the absence of a keel.
Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron – Te Aihe
Emirates Team New Zealand is a sailing team based in Auckland, New Zealand representing the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. They are four-time winners of the Louis Vuitton Cup and three-time winners of the America’s Cup. Emirates Team New Zealand will be defending the Cup in 2021 against the winner the Prada Cup, the challenger selection series. This will take place in January–February in 2021 ahead of the 36th America’s Cup presented by Prada.
New York Yacht Club – Defiant
Formed in October 2017 by Bella Mente Racing, Quantum Racing and the New York Yacht Club, American Magic. This joint vision to win the America’s Cup, the highest prize in sailing and the oldest trophy in international sports.
American Magic brings together two highly successful racing programs with one of the foremost yacht clubs in the world. United by a campaign to win back the Cup, reconnect the American sailing base with the premier event in the sport and elevate the quality of competitive sailing in the United States. The name, American Magic, is a nod to the New York Yacht Club’s storied America’s Cup history; a combination of the boat the trophy is named for, and the first boat to defend it.
Circolo della Vela Sicilia – Luna Rossa
Team Luna Rossa Challenge was founded in 1997 by Patrizio Bertelli with the initial name “Prada Challenge for the America’s Cup 2000”. At its first attempt, the team won the Louis Vuitton Cup. In June 2017 Luna Rossa launched its 6th challenge for 36th America’s Cup through Circolo della Vela Sicilia Yacht Club.
Royal Yacht Squadron – Britannia
INEOS TEAM UK was formed in 2018 to bring the America’s Cup home to Britain. The team is based in Old Portsmouth and led and backed by INEOS Founder and Chairman, Jim Ratcliffe. Sir Ben Ainslie, a previous America’s Cup winner (AC34) and the most successful Olympic sailor of all time. He is Team Principal and Skipper and four times America’s Cup winner, Grant Simmer as team CEO. Combined, the team has 16 Cup wins and eight Olympic medals.
Stars & Stripes Team USA – AC75 Not Built
The first all-American entry in over 15 years to challenge for America’s Cup. Stars + Stripes Team USA was co-founded by world champion sailors, Mike Buckley and Taylor Canfield. The goal was to build an inclusive and authentic, American team to win the 36th America’s Cup.
Representing the Long Beach Yacht Club, Stars + Stripes Team USA is honored to reignite the iconic Stars & Stripes brand. The name that for decades defined American excellence in the sport. The team has assembled some of the best minds in American boat building and yacht design.
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