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Louis Vuitton Cup Kicks Off Tomorrow
29 August – 7 October 2024
Two Round Robins, semifinals, and finals will determine the challenger for the 37th America’s Cup Match.
The Challenger Selection Series was established in 1970 to manage simultaneous challenges from multiple countries to the New York Yacht Club. This series aims to identify the best challenger to face the Defender in the prestigious America’s Cup Final Match.
Tomorrow marks the beginning of the first elimination phase of the competition. After four years of preparation, the teams are eager to compete, knowing that only four challengers will advance following the two Round Robins.
The customary press conference with the skippers of the participating teams took place just before the event’s commencement. Jimmy Spithill, helmsman for Luna Rossa, remarked: “The fleet is very close in terms of performance, and I’m sure we will see some intense races, especially given the complex conditions in Barcelona. Our preliminary races have revealed both strengths and weaknesses among the teams. While the Defender has the advantage of not racing to survive like the challengers, we are focused on winning race by race.”
The excitement around the Challenger Selection Series is palpable, with a growing audience eager to witness the races. The Race Village, featuring large screens, shops, and a stage for events, will be open every race day with free admission. Popular Fanzones at Plaça del Mar and Bogatell will allow fans to watch the races directly from the beachfront.
Here is crucial information and rules to follow the event and the Luna Rossa races effectively:
The Louis Vuitton Cup regattas will follow a Match Race format, awarding one point for each win while the second place earns none. The Louis Vuitton Cup comprises three phases:
ROUND ROBINS – 2 Elimination Stages: August 29 – September 11.
Each challenger faces every other challenger once per round. The participating teams include Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, Ineos Britannia, NYYC American Magic, Alinghi Red Bull Racing, and Orient Express Racing Team, alongside the Defender Emirates Team New Zealand. However, results against the Defender will not be counted. The team with the lowest rank at the end of the Round Robins will be eliminated, and the top four will progress to the semifinals, where the leading team selects its opponent.
SEMIFINALS: September 14 – 23
The surviving four challengers compete in Match Race regattas, with the first to reach 5 points declared the winner.
FINALS: September 26 – October 7
The two finalists will compete in the Louis Vuitton Cup Final, with the first to reach 7 points winning the right to challenge the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, in the 37th America’s Cup Match.
LUNA ROSSA REGATTA CALENDAR:
(Blue boat enters from the left, yellow boat from the right)
AUGUST 29
RACE #2 – ITA (blue) vs NZL (yellow) – RACE #4 – FRA (blue) vs ITA (yellow)
AUGUST 30
RACE #7 – ITA (blue) vs USA (yellow)
AUGUST 31
RACE #11 – GBR (blue) vs ITA (yellow)
SEPTEMBER 1
RACE #14 – SUI (blue) vs ITA (yellow)
SEPTEMBER 3
RACE #17 – NZL (blue) vs ITA (Yellow) – RACE #19 – ITA (blue) vs FRA (yellow)
SEPTEMBER 4
RACE #22 – USA (blue) vs ITA (yellow)
SEPTEMBER 7
RACE #25 – ITA (blue) vs GBR (yellow)
SEPTEMBER 8
RACE #29 – ITA (blue) vs SUI (yellow)
Source
Emily Carter, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Vancouver, has a deep-seated passion for the ocean that has shaped her career. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of British Columbia, Emily has become known for her captivating and detailed storytelling. Her work vividly portrays the excitement of sailing and the distinct maritime culture of Canada, earning her a respected place in the sailing community. When not writing, Emily enjoys navigating the rugged coastlines of British Columbia and participating in local regattas, always eager to embark on her next maritime adventure.
