BTN News: The 37th America’s Cup, set to take place in Barcelona, promises to be one of the most exhilarating editions in the competition’s storied history. Six teams, each a powerhouse in the world of high-performance sailing, will compete for the prestigious title. The event will not only feature some of the most decorated sailors globally—ranging from Olympic gold medalists to world champions—but also showcase the latest advancements in nautical design and engineering. With budgets ranging from €100 million to €160 million, and team rosters consisting of nearly 150 members each, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The six teams include the reigning champions, Emirates Team New Zealand, and five formidable challengers: INEOS Britannia, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, American Magic, Alinghi Red Bull Racing, and the newest entry, Orient Express Racing Team. As the countdown to the event begins, these teams are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to claim victory, making this a must-watch spectacle for sailing enthusiasts worldwide.
The Emirates Team New Zealand, defending champions and the team to beat, are eyeing their fifth title, which would also mark their third consecutive win. Known for their groundbreaking innovations in sailing technology, the team will participate in the preliminary rounds but will only compete in the final round of this 37th edition in October. The team is led by New Zealand’s Peter Burling, a 33-year-old Olympic and world champion, who has formed a formidable partnership with Australian sailing legend Nathan Outteridge. The crew also includes top-tier sailors like Blair Tuke, another Olympic champion, and Andy Maloney, a former Youth America’s Cup winner. With such a stellar lineup, the Emirates Team New Zealand is undoubtedly the team to beat.
Challenging the reigning champions is INEOS Britannia, led by the legendary Ben Ainslie, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and America’s Cup winner in 2013. The British team boasts an impressive roster, including Giles Scott, a double Olympic champion, and experienced trimmers like Leigh McMillan and Bleddyn Mon. The addition of Tom Slingsby, an Australian Olympic champion known for his expertise in ‘foil’ sailing, further strengthens their bid for the title. Alongside him is Paul Goodison, another Olympic champion, making their duo of helmsmen one of the most formidable in the competition. The team’s depth in talent is further showcased by the presence of experienced sailors like Lucas Calabrese, Andrew Campbell, Riley Gibbs, and Michael Menninger, all of whom bring their high-level navigation skills to the table.
Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, the finalists of the previous edition, have also put together a highly experienced team. The Italian syndicate is led by Jimmy Spithill, a two-time America’s Cup winner, and Francesco Bruni, a world champion. The team also features promising talents like Marco Gradoni and Ruggero Tita, who have shown exceptional speed in practice sessions. The crew’s expertise in ‘foiling’ and sail trimming is enhanced by first-class sailors like Vittorio Bissaro, Umberto Molineris, and Andrea Tesei, making them a serious contender for the title.
Alinghi Red Bull Racing, the Swiss team that won the America’s Cup in 2003 and 2007, has returned to the competition after a 12-year hiatus. Despite being the team with the most newcomers to the Cup, they have shown remarkable progress since arriving in Barcelona in the summer of 2022. Arnaud Psarofaghis, making his America’s Cup debut, leads the team alongside the young and talented Maxime Bachelin. The team also includes Nicholas Charbonnier, who serves as a backup helmsman. With experienced sailors like Bryan Mettraux and Yves Detrey, a two-time America’s Cup winner, handling flight control and sail trimming, the Swiss team is poised to make a strong showing.
The final challenger, the Orient Express Racing Team from France, is the newest addition to the competition. Although they are debuting in the America’s Cup, they have quickly assembled a solid team. Quentin Delapierre and Kevin Peponnet, both experienced in ‘foiling,’ will helm the team, which received its AC40 boat in mid-August. The French team has also adopted the ‘cyclors’ system, where crew members generate power by pedaling, replacing the traditional ‘grinders’ who used their arms to produce energy. With a mix of sailors, rowers, cyclists, and athletes making up the 54 ‘cyclors’ across all teams, the Orient Express Racing Team has formed a robust group capable of competing at the highest level.
In this edition of the America’s Cup, the use of ‘cyclors’ represents a significant technological evolution, with 54 athletes, most of them Olympic and world champions, distributed among the six teams. The majority of these ‘cyclors’ come from sailing backgrounds, with others from rowing, track cycling, and athletics, showcasing the diverse expertise required in modern America’s Cup racing.
As the 37th America’s Cup approaches, each team is meticulously preparing for what promises to be an epic showdown. With cutting-edge technology, exceptional talent, and a rich history of competition, this edition is set to captivate sailing fans worldwide. The Emirates Team New Zealand remains the team to beat, but with formidable challengers like INEOS Britannia, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, American Magic, Alinghi Red Bull Racing, and the Orient Express Racing Team, the race for the coveted trophy is wide open. As these elite teams converge in Barcelona, the stage is set for a thrilling battle on the water, where only the best will emerge victorious.
