America’s Cup challengers slam Team NZ’s lack of ‘transparency’
Ben Ainslie
Photo: photosport
Two challengers have accused defenders Team New Zealand of lacking “transparency” around the naming of Naples to host the next America’s Cup.
Sir Ben Ainslie’s Athena Racing says “significant barriers” still remained to agreeing a “fair sporting protocol” for the event, without which any confirmation of the southern Italian city as the 2027 host venue was “premature, at best”.
Another challenger, American Magic, also cited “transparency” concerns and says their participation in the 2027 event is in serious doubt.
Athena Racing represent the Royal Yacht Squadron Ltd, the Challenger of Record for the 38th America’s Cup and negotiates the event protocol on behalf of all challengers to make the event fair and commercially viable.
Grant Dalton
Photo: ยฉ Chris Cameron 2013
In a statement, it said Team NZ are guilty of an “ongoing lack of transparency” after seven months of negotiations.
“Despite recent progress being made, significant barriers remain,” the statement said.
“Typically, a host agreement has only followed the publication of an agreed protocol. In the absence of an agreed protocol, it is therefore difficult to understand what exactly has been agreed between Team New Zealand and the Government of Italy as the sporting framework and details of the event do not yet exist.
“Any hosting agreement will bind challengers to financial and organisational obligations, as well as potential liabilities, making its disclosure fundamental to teams’ participation and commitment to the 38thโฏAmerica’s Cup.”
Athena Racing said it had no reason to doubt Naples would be a fine venue, it felt “transparency and cooperation between the defender and all challengers is vital for the Cup’s future and therefore the recent announcements from the defender are premature, at best.”
Luna Rossa in action against American Magic, Barcelona, 2024
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
American Magic followed up with its own statement, saying Team NZ had been “unwilling to commit to the transparency and cooperation necessary” ahead of the Naples announcement.
The syndicate which represented the New York Yacht Club at last year’s regatta in Barcelona, said it will reconsider its involvement.
“Without the meaningful changes they (Athena) are advocating, it is difficult to see how NYYC American Magic can participate in the 38th America’s Cup.”
Team NZ has been contacted by RNZ for comment.
The Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta in Barcelona, Spain. Team New Zealand and Alinghi. 2024.
Photo: AFP
Swiss syndicate Alinghi said last month said it won’t contest the next regatta, also citing transparency concerns, although that was unrelated to the Naples announcement, which had yet to be made.
“We would have liked to have seen more accountability, more transparency, and new opportunities to compete not only individually, but also as a group,” it’s team statement said.
“In this way, all together, we could have produced a commercially viable event that would have attracted global television coverage, viewers and sponsors.”
Team NZ chief executive Grant Dalton this week said he questioned whether Alinghi was serious about pulling out of the next challenge and suggested it could yet line up at the start line in Naples.