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2017 America’s Cup update – Protocol and AC62 Class Rule

 

Updated: 25 November 2014

The Australian Challenger which negotiated these rules withdrew from the America’s Cup on 19 July 2014 and was replaced by a Challenger Committee made up of all challengers, each with one vote and with a simple majority to take actions or make decisions.

Evolution and revolution for the America’s Cup in 2017

Revolution: First time ever…

  • Fleet racing including the Defender in 2015-16 (in AC45’s) will determine seeding for Challenger Selection Series.
  • Defender will race with challengers in AC62’s in the challenger selection series round robin phase (called “AC Qualifiers”).
  • If the winner of the round robin is in the AC Match, they start with 1 point (need 7 to win).

2017-americas-cup-update

Evolution:  AC62 foiling, wing sail catamarans

  • Smaller, lighter, probably faster than AC72.
  • Safety: all 8 crew in cockpits.
  • More stable foiling: adjust rudder wing angle while racing
  • Race in 5 – 25 knots of wind.
  • Wing, hulls and structure tightly defined but not one design.
  • Design focus will be on foils, control systems and ergonomics.

Teams

  • Entry period “closed” 8 August 2014. But late entries “may” be allowed…
  • Serious teams only – $2 million entry fee + $1 million performance bond. Fines up to $1 million for not attending events.
  • Known challengers: ITA, SWE, GBR, NZL, FRA. AUS has withdrawn.
  • Possible challengers: POR (with Italian funding), RUS.       Long shot: CHN.    Others??
  • 2 sailors in every AC62 race must hold passport or be born in team’s country.

2015-16 AC World Series 

  • Fleet racing.
  • AC45’s – one design catamarans, modified for foiling.
  • One series spread over 2015 and 2016.
  • Top finishers carry points into the Challenger “Qualifiers” in AC62’s in 2017.
  • Defender racing with challengers.
  • $250K fine for not attending an event.
  • $50K fine for each race missed if attending.

2017 Challenger selection

  • “Qualifiers” – Double round robin in AC62’s with Defender (!)
  • “Playoffs” – top 4 challengers; semi-finals and finals.
  • Qualifiers venue planned by ACEA to be different from AC Match.
  • Playoffs in AC Match venue, i.e. only top 4 challengers go to AC venue.
  • Venue for Qualifiers to be announced by 15 February 2015.
  • Venue for Playoffs will be the AC Match venue, to be announced by 31 December 2014.
  • $1 million fine for not attending.
  • $150K fine for each race missed if attending.

2017 America’s Cup Match

  • Defender vs top Challenger (as always).
  • First to score seven points, one point per race.
  • New! Bonus point:  If the winner of the round robin (“AC Qualifiers”) is in the Match, they start with 1 point. This could be the Defender or a challenger. If a challenger wins the round robin but is eliminated in the semi-final or final, there will be no bonus point.
  • Up to three races on the final day if a team can close it out.
  • Dates and venue to be announced by 31 December 2014.
  • Same fines as Challenger selection.

Venues and dates

  • Portsmouth, UK will host ACWS events in 2015 and 2016.
  • NOT San Francisco. San Diego and Bermuda were short-listed; Bermuda selected.
  • 2015 AC World Series announced by 1 November 2014 (AC45 fleet racing only).
  • 2016 AC World Series announced by 1 August 2015 (AC45 fleet racing only).
  • 2017 AC Qualifiers announced by 15 February 2015 (AC62 round robin, with Defender).
  • 2017 AC Playoffs, AC Match announced by 31 December 2014.

Any questions? Ask Jack!