New Zealand Accepts American Magic AC37 Challenge

Feb 2, 2022

American Magic’s AC75 Patriot training on the Hauraki Gulf in Auckland, New Zealand prior to the Prada Cup, the AC36 Challenger Selection Series, that took place in early 2021. Image © American Magic / Sailing Energy

Last week (Jan 26), the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron formally accepted the New York Yacht Club American Magic’s challenge for the 37th America’s Cup to be held in 2024 – the third additional challenge accepted for AC37.

“It is great to be back in the America’s Cup for AC37, and our pursuit of bringing the Trophy home remains the same,” remarked Terry Hutchinson, President of Sailing Operations for American Magic. “We’ve been preparing for AC37 from the moment our time came to an end at AC36 and are a deeply motivated group – all hands-on deck – ready to compete and ready to win.” 

Earlier last month, American Magic agreed to represent the New York Yacht Club at AC37 in a renewed collaboration to bring the America’s Cup trophy, the Auld Mug, back to the United States.

American Magic’s principals, Doug DeVos and Hap Fauth, shared their vision for the team to be an ongoing competitor in the America’s Cup. They are committed to investing in technology, design, innovation, and talent to build a winning team and franchise for the long haul.  

The team and the Club await the announcement of the venue and race schedule for AC37, the details for the America’s Cup World Series, and the plan for the youth and women’s events. The venue announcement is expected on March 31, 2022.  

Key Dates Outlined in the AC37 Protocol:

2021

  • 17th November 2021: AC37 Protocol and AC75 Class Rule V2 Published
  • 1st December 2021: Entries for Challengers Open

2022

  • 31st March 2022: Defender to announce Match Venue and approximate event dates 
  • 17th June 2022: New competitors may sail Version 1 AC75’s for 20 sailing days
  • 31st July 2022: Entry Period Closes
  • 17th September 2022: Competitors may sail an AC75 Yacht
  • 30th November 2022: ACE to announce race schedule for the Match 
  • 30th November 2022: ACE to announce racing area for CSS and Match
  • 31st December 2022: ACE to publish Brand Manual

2023

  • 31st May 2023: Final cut off for late Challenger entries.
  • 30th June 2023: ACE to publish Youth and Women’s AC Agreement
  • 30th June 2023: COR/D to publish Match Conditions
  • 30th November 2023: COR/D to publish CSS Conditions

2024

  • TBD: The Challenger Selection Series
  • TBD: The 37th America’s Cup Match

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