America’s Cup resumes racing schedule

Jul 12, 2013 by Guest Writer

 

Update for July 12:

America’s Cup races with voluntary compliance

 


Racing continues in the summer series of the America’s Cup despite protests by Emirates Team New Zealand and Italy’s Luna Rossa Challenge.


The International Jury upheld the protests stating that the regatta director alone could not change regatta rules. The America’s Cup Event Authority (ACEA) ruled that racing can continue if the teams adhere to the AC72 Class Rule and the 37 new safety rules after the death of Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson in May.


According to The America’s Cup site, “The America’s Cup Event Authority, organizers of the land-based aspects of the competition, and America’s Cup Race Management, responsible for the on-water sporting competition, said they respect International Jury’s findings.”

 


To read the entire ruling click here.

 

To read local news from KQED click here.

 

 

News from July 9:


The America’s Cup is back on track for racing the summer series in San Francisco after a suspension in the schedule following the death of crew Andrew “Bart” Simpson on May 9 during training.



The competition’s safety committee added 37 new rules and requirements based on investigations into the accident which involved the Artemis Racing catamaran, an AC72 yacht.



Implementation of these guidelines are being mediated to ensure that all participants will be able to comply in the short time-frame available before opening day on July 4. The schedule has been amended to add maintenance days as recommended in the new regulations, cutting the number of rounds from seven to five, according to information on www.americascup.com. Races are scheduled to continue through September 21.



The recommendations include structural reviews of the AC72 boats and wings, a reduction of the wind limit to 23 knots maximum and enhanced safety equipment for the racers. These aim to reduce the potential for capsizing and address how the teams can improve the sailors’ safety in the event of a capsize, according to Stephen Barclay, CEO of America’s Cup Event Authority on the Cup’s Web site.



In a new event this year, megayachts will have the opportunity to compete in the Superyacht Regatta during the America’s Cup Finals lay days scheduled for Sept. 9, 11 and 13.



Yachts will race according to the International Super Yacht Rule (ISYR) used for handicapping of large, luxury sailing yachts, and currently in use for such events as Antigua Superyacht Challenge, Loro Piana regattas, St. Barths Bucket, The Superyacht Cup Palma and the Shipyard Cup.



The race will be divide into classes based on the fleet size, composition and attributes of the participating yachts to be determined in August. Berthing packages are available for megayachts in the America’s Cup Super Yacht Village. For information, schedules and updates visit www.americascup.com.

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