March 8, 2019
"There is not enough time!"
Two years are left before the start of the very first races of the 36th America Cup.
If absolutely exactly – two years minus two days. Because the first races of the 36th draw will take place on March 6, 2021.
Two years is like a lot. But for the future participants of the America's Cup, the land, in their own words, is already burning under their feet.
“Time is categorically not enough. “If we had had four years left – even then every day would be on the account,” acknowledges American Magic’s skipper Terry Hutchinson.
“Usually, even if you are absolutely correct and seem to be preparing for the America's Cup on schedule, a situation arises when you are short of money and time. Well, extra money can most often be found. But no one can give you extra time, ”echoes Kevin Shubridge, Chief Operating Officer of the Cup Defender – Emirates Team New Zealand.
According to Shubridge, the most crucial period of preparation for the America's Cup is now beginning:
“The next six months is the most important period when the fundamental decisions will be made. Those who are destined to directly influence the future of teams. Only now this process goes behind closed doors, decisions remain secret, and the public becomes aware of something only after years when the winners begin to publish memoirs. So you will have to wait before you begin to receive answers to your questions. ”
But something still becomes known. For example, Max Sirena, Italian Italian skipper Luna Rossa, said: in his opinion, the grotto will be almost the decisive component of the entire project. “Designing a boat is like folding a puzzle. But the main detail, we believe, is the grotto. Much will depend on him. ”
According to preliminary plans, the teams received the right to launch their new winged single-squadron AC75 into the water after March 31 of this year. It was assumed that they all do it soon after the deadline. However, a number of teams that built prototypes half the length of the main vessel to test their ideas (talking about American Magic and Team New Zealand, as well as the British INEOS Team UK) had problems with the management of hydrofoils. In this connection, the launching of ships, if necessary, was allowed to be postponed for up to three months.
At the same time, the World Series start (World Series) had to be shifted to 2020, in which the new AC75 will take part. It was planned that the first stage of this Series will take place in October of this year in Sardinia, but now the dates have been postponed – to the beginning of 2020.
And one more news from the World Cup of America. It was possible to smooth out the conflict that arose between the defender – Emirates Team New Zealand and the record challenger – Luna Rossa. The Italians believed that the three teams, which declared their desire to participate in the America's Cup, only at the last moment, thus violated the Competition Protocol, and they should not be allowed to participate in the Cup. The question should have been heard in a special arbitration court, whose sessions were scheduled for April.
But the court was not needed: as is often the case, the problem was solved with the help of money. Latecomers will have to pay a fine.
259 March 8, 2019 # 8839
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