No lockdown for America’s Cup teams

Early in the coronavirus pandemic, New Zealand established a 4-level COVID-19 Alert System with each alert level stating what measures would need to be taken to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Through strong leadership and strict restrictions, the country saw success in minimizing the disease.

However, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on August 10 how there were four new cases of community transmission in New Zealand following 102 days without, and that the New Zealand Government would be re-introducing lockdown measures.

While most of New Zealand moved to Alert Level 2 on August 12, Auckland moved to Alert Level 3 which is a near lockdown of non-essential businesses and activities. Closed are libraries, museums, cinemas, food courts, gyms, pools, and playgrounds.

But with two of the four America’s Cup teams based in Auckland, what would that mean for them? Challenger American Magic provides this statement:

New York Yacht Club American Magic is committed to protecting the health and safety of not only our personnel, but of the greater New Zealand community. With this in mind, the team is diligently adhering to all aspects of the WorkSafe guidelines for Alert Level 3 as we continue preparations for the America’s Cup.

Our team has been in regular consultation with Emirates Team New Zealand regarding best practices. Under Alert Level 3, commercial entities such as American Magic can conduct activities essential to their businesses. For America’s Cup teams, this includes on-the-water operations.

American Magic has now joined New Zealand’s Team of Five Million. We will at all times employ safe workplace practices, and in doing so, honor the warm welcome we have received in Auckland.

The Team of Five Million is a public message by the New Zealand government, referring to the nation’s population, and the need for collaboration, working together, and positive language.

Details: www.americascup.com

36th America’s Cup
In addition to Challenges from Italy, USA, and Great Britain that were accepted during the initial entry period (January 1 to June 30, 2018), eight additional Notices of Challenge were received by the late entry deadline on November 30, 2018. Of those eight submittals, entries from Malta, USA, and the Netherlands were also accepted. Here’s the list:

Defender:
• Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL)

Challengers:
• Luna Rossa (ITA) – Challenger of Record
• American Magic (USA)
• INEOS Team UK (GBR)
• Malta Altus Challenge (MLT) – WITHDRAW
• Stars + Stripes Team USA (USA)
• DutchSail (NED) – WITHDRAW

Of the three late entries, only Stars+Stripes USA remains committed, however, it is unclear what entry payments have been made, nor is there knowledge of a boat being actively built or sailing team assembled.

Key America’s Cup dates:
✔ September 28, 2017: 36th America’s Cup Protocol released
✔ November 30, 2017: AC75 Class concepts released to key stakeholders
✔ January 1, 2018: Entries for Challengers open
✔ March 31, 2018: AC75 Class Rule published
✔ June 30, 2018: Entries for Challengers close
✔ August 31, 2018: Location of the America’s Cup Match and The PRADA Cup confirmed
✔ August 31, 2018: Specific race course area confirmed
✔ November 30, 2018: Late entries deadline
✔ March 31, 2019: Boat 1 can be launched (DELAYED)
✔ 2nd half of 2019: 2 x America’s Cup World Series events (CANCELLED)
✔ October 1, 2019: US$1million late entry fee deadline (NOT KNOWN)
✔ February 1, 2020: Boat 2 can be launched (DELAYED)
✔ April 23-26, 2020: First (1/3) America’s Cup World Series event in Cagliari, Sardinia (CANCELLED)
✔ June 4-7, 2020: Second (2/3) America’s Cup World Series event in Portsmouth, England (CANCELLED)
• December 17-20, 2020: Third (3/3) America’s Cup World Series event in Auckland, New Zealand
• January 15-February 22, 2021: The PRADA Cup Challenger Selection Series
• March 6-15, 2021: The America’s Cup Match

Youth America’s Cup Competition
• February 18-23, 2021
• March 1-5, 2021
• March 8-12, 2021

AC75 launch dates:
September 6 – Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL), Boat 1
September 10 – American Magic (USA), Boat 1; actual launch date earlier but not released
October 2 – Luna Rossa (ITA), Boat 1
October 4 – INEOS Team UK (GBR), Boat 1

Details: www.americascup.com