New York Yacht Club has withdrawn its challenge for the America’s Cup in 2024, according to Marine Industry News.
The club had backed American Magic — which counted Irish sailor, and previous cup winner, Revelin Minihane among its crew — in its challenge for the Auld Mug in Auckland earlier this year.
But a crash that nearly sunk the boat took them out of the running for the Prada Cup, which was won by Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. The Italian team were beaten in the cup race by the home side Team Emirates New Zealand.
In May this year the NYCC submitted its challenge along with an “evolutionary” draft Protocol for the event, including confirmation of AC75 as the one-design class. It later announced 2020 Bermuda Gold Cup winners Stars+Stripes as its representative team.
Meanwhile, Dubai and Cork remain in the running to host the 37th America’s Cup after Valencia’s withdrawal, but as previously reported on Afloat.ie, a second Spanish bid is in the works. An announcement is expected later this week.
Update: Late on Tuesday (19 October), the the club — based in New York City and Newport in Rhode Island — issued a statement on its decision, citing “continued uncertainty” regarding the host venue, timing and rules. NYCC Commodore Christopher J Culver is quoted as saying:
“There are few private clubs that enjoy a stronger bond with a single competition than the New York Yacht Club does with the America’s Cup, which we founded and held for 132 years. However, we ultimately have a responsibility to act in the best interests of our membership. Given the continued uncertainty regarding the 37th America’s Cup, we have decided to pause our challenge for this edition.
“For more than six months, the New York Yacht Club along with other potential challengers have waited for clarity regarding the venue, timing and rules for the 37th America’s Cup. Time is never on the side of new teams in this great contest, but at some point, we must recognize when there simply isn’t enough of it left to build a competitive challenge.
“We will continue to advocate for what we believe to be essential changes to the structure of the America’s Cup. This evolution will retain the competition’s unmatched history and appeal while enabling it to compete on today’s increasingly competitive modern sports landscape. Our passion for this competition remains as strong as ever.
“Stars+Stripes USA, led by members Mike Buckley and Taylor Canfield, will carry forward with their plans to challenge for the 37th America’s Cup. We wish them the best of luck. They represent the future of American yachting.”
