AC36: Emirates Team NZ switches focus from bases to competitors

AUCKLAND – Now that New Zealand has sorted out the location and configuration of the team bases for the 2021 America's Cup (the 36th Defense of the America's Cup, or AC36 in Cup shorthand), the head of Emirates Team New Zealand, Grant Dalton (NZL), says he is switching his focus to recruiting entries.

So far there are four committed teams: the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand representing the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, yacht names TBD; Patrizio Bertelli's (ITA) Prada Challenge with their yachts LUNA ROSSA representing the Italian Challenger of Record Circolo della Vela Sicilia; New York Yacht Club's team American Magic headed by Hap Fauth (USA), yacht names TBD; and Ben Ainslie's (GBR) Land Rover BAR representing the UK's Royal Yacht Squadron, yacht names also TBD.

For the record, Sailing Illustrated uses a centuries-old custom of displaying yacht names in all caps – e.g., LUNA ROSSA. We display the names of people and yacht clubs in bold because we think they are the most important entities in the sport. Team names and sponsors are neither in all caps nor bold. Why are AC yacht names important and different from the team names? Because Cup rules prohibit yacht names that contain names of corporate sponsors.

APRIL 5th UPDATE: The foregoing two paragraphs have been amended on the advice of NYYC Commodore Phil Lotz, who kindly wrote this morning to clarify that the name of the Club's team is now "New York Yacht Club American Magic" with the names of the yachts TBD. "Bella Mente Quantum Racing Association" remains the name of the team's legal entity, but going forward publicly the team will be known as "NYYC American Magic." -TFE

Having said all that, Mr Dalton was interviewed this (Thursday) morning by noted Kiwi broadcast journalist, Mike Hosking, on Newstalk ZB's Morning Show, and we thought our Dear Readers would appreciate the update and perspective, especially those of you who are keen Cup fans....

Listen to Mr Hosking's interview with Grant Dalton click here or on the image below.

Emirates Team New Zealand's Grant Dalton, speaking with Newstalk ZB's Mike Hosking this (Thursday) morning in NZL.