Hamilton, Bermuda: The celebrations after Team New Zealand’s dominant victory over Team USA in the 35th America’s Cup on Monday were barely over when Italian syndicate Luna Rossa was confirmed as challenger of record for the next edition.
The protocol governing competition for international sport’s oldest trophy specifies that the first to throw down the challenge to the defenders of the Cup becomes the challenger of record, able to negotiate the rules and conditions of the next regatta.
Team New Zealand chief executive Grant Dalton confirmed that the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron had accepted a challenge from Circolo della Vela Sicilia putting forward Luna Rossa — the syndicate backed by Prada boss Patrizio Bertelli.
“The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron has accepted that challenge and CVS become the challenger of record. CVS has designated Luna Rossa the challenge as its team.
“The 36th America’s Cup will be open to further challenges from foreign nations under conditions to be announced in due course,” the New Zealand club’s announcement, read out by Dalton in Bermuda, said.
The terms of a 36th America’s Cup defended by New Zealand has been the subject of intense speculation as the Kiwi challengers homed in on victory.
Dalton said more would be revealed in the coming weeks, with the Cup sure to return to New Zealand but other matters — including possible changes in class rules — still to be announced.
“We do have a plan and it will play out in the next couple of weeks,” Dalton said, adding that New Zealand hope to design an America’s Cup that can unify a fragmented sailing world.
“Today for us is really about what’s happened on the water and the guys and the great competition. But rest assured we’ll do the right thing.”
The Kiwis completed a 7-1 victory over Oracle Team USA on Monday to seize the “Auld Mug” for New Zealand for a third time — ending Team USA’s run of two successive victories.
