France’s participation in the America’s Cup dates back to 1970 but, despite success in other sports, the tournament has remained a mountain yet to be climbed for France. After an early exit from the 2017 tournament, France will be looking to change history by returning again in 2024.
But they will have to overcome obstacles – they were the last team to join, and the only one that bought the technical details from New Zealand’s Defender and did not design their own boat – but Quentin Delappierre, 31, the French captain and co-pilot, is optimistic.
“The 75 is a beautiful ship that we are really proud of,” he says. “The technical team has done an incredible job. It wasn’t easy because we had to do it in a hurry, but the French people have shown that we can build this kind of ship. Now our main challenge is to bring it all together and ensure the reliability of the systems.”
The last of the five Cup-challenging teams to set sail, Delapierre and his crew were under no illusions about the challenge ahead even before the race began, but paid tribute to the technical and electronics teams who were able to create a simulator that made all the difference to the transition.
“When I sailed the AC75, it felt familiar. Sure, I’d manually sailed an AC40, but switching to a 75 was completely different. But the hours I’d spent in the simulator made the transition easier. I think it made me feel very at home.”
“Simulators have been a new tool in sailing for the last few years and since the arrival of the AC75 we have been working hard to apply everything we have learned. We are off to a really good start but we still have a long way to go.”
Though they’ve never won the America’s Cup, France aren’t alone in their challenge: Italy have been trying since 1983, and Great Britain’s unbeaten run dates back to 1870. Could a new nation be crowned champion in 2024? We’re hopeful.
Following the publication of the AC37 Protocol and AC75 Class Rules on 17 November 2021, the AC75 Class Rules and AC Technical Regulations have been finalised for 17 March 2022. The entry period was from 1 December 2021 to 31 July 2022, but late entries for the 37th America’s Cup will be accepted until 31 May 2023. Defender had planned to announce the match venue on 17 September 2021, but postponed the announcement, which was finally finalised for 30 March 2022 in Barcelona. The 37th America’s Cup will kick off on 12 October 2024.
The squad that will challenge the defending Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL) has been announced:
• Ineos Britannia (GBR)
• Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI)
• Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (ITA)
• NYYC American Magic (USA)
• Orient Express Racing Team (France)
2023-24 Qualifying Regatta
14-17 September 2023 (AC40): Vilanova i la Geltrud, Spain
November 30th – December 2nd (AC40): Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
22-25 August 2024 (AC75): Barcelona, Spain
2024 Challenger Selection Series
August 29th – September 8th: Double round robin
September 14th – 19th: Semi-finals (Top 9)
September 26th – October 7th: Finals (Top 13)
2024 America’s Cup
October 12-21: Match 37 (Round 13)
Additionally, 12 teams will compete in the 2024 Youth and Women’s America’s Cup.
Message board: https://ac37noticeboard.acofficials.org/
Event details: www.americascup.com/en/home
