How the crazy idea was born

There’s an old America’s Cup joke which said that you knew when the Italians were about to tack as the crew all flicked their cigarettes overboard. True or not, the nation’s participation began in the 1983 America’s Cup and has continued for nearly every edition since.

Vincenzo Onorato (above) shares the story of how the idea was born to compete in the 2003 America’s Cup. Thus came to life the Mascalzone Latino challenge, the first campaign from Southern Europe:

Luca Oriani asked me to write for the legendary “Giornale della Vela,” and I, having received this honor, gave him a “warning”: I am not a “politically correct” person because I think, as a consummate old man, that it is a forced homologation of common thought to which everyone must conform, it is not right or left, but only a common code where, under the carpet, there is not dust but rather the most blatant hypocrisy. It is the homogenization of ideas in the demented intellectual globalization of so-called civilized countries. – Full report

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 Challenger Selection Series August 29-September 8: Double Round Robin September 14-19: Semi Finals (Best of 9) September 26-October 7: Finals (Best of 13)

2024 America’s Cup October 12-21: 37th Match (Best of 13)

For competition details, click here.

Additionally, 12 teams will compete in the 2024 Youth & Women’s America’s Cup.

Noticeboard: https://ac37noticeboard.acofficials.org/ Event details: www.americascup.com/en/home