America’s Cup Update — Down to the Wire By Cynthia Ross AC45s sailing on San Francisco Bay. The AC45 catamaran is the boat used by teams to practice for the Luis Vuitton Cup and the America’s Cup, when the AC72 boat will be the race boat. Photo by Ross Photographic.
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ess than a week before the opening ceremonies for the America’s Cup, the Coast Guard issued the necessary MEP (Marine Event Permit) required to conduct America’s Cup racing on San Francisco Bay this summer. Ian Murray, regatta director, has issued a revised NOR (Notice of Race) to encompass the 37 new safety recommendations that went into effect after the death of an Artemis Racing crewmember in May. This does not end the controversy, which was punctuated by the tragic accident. That incident underscored the ineffectual preparedness of the emergency response crews, which proved fatal for team member Andrew (Bart) Simpson. The worldwide sailing community held its breath, and was silenced by the news of his loss; Bart was well-known and liked, an outstanding athlete, an Olympic medalist. His death was met with many questions, including whether the America’s Cup on these AC72s would go on. Luna Rossa team’s owner, Patrizio Bertelli, announced that it was up to his team, should they wish to pull out. Subsequently, that team broke the moratorium on sailing the AC72s, called during the initial investigation—and in honor of Simpson. After the spectacular crash of Oracle 17 last October, some higher safety measures were implemented. However, the current 37-point safety plan was agreed to by all four competitors. It includes location beacons for each crew member, rescue divers and doctors onboard support boats, higher towing capacity for chase boats and an emergency breathing apparatus on each crew member. A hearing was to be held on July 8 regarding foils and rudders, brought by Team NZ, but will not delay the first day of racing. The outcome of all this, for the fans, is that spectator ticket sales were suspended for the Louis Vuitton Cup. A revised schedule, including more laydays for maintenance, was published. All dates are subject to wind limits and other safety regulations, and the competitors. Artemis Racing is not expected to participate in the LV
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SOUTHWINDS
Cup, due to the devastating loss and questions of engineering in its newest race boat. Regardless of this extended “June Gloom,” the America’s Cup program has continued. The America’s Cup Park, based at Pier 27-29 in the newly renovated cruise ship terminal, has been hosting concerts, including Sting, and the Steve Miller Band. The AC72s have been showing their colors, sailing on the bay, preening to unsuspecting visitors to the city. On July 4-6, the America’s Cup Park opening celebration was to include team poster signings, fan photos, Te Waka Huia (the Kiwis’ pride of Maori Performance Art), a chance to view the AC72s up close and personal, and, of course, live music. On July 7, the AC72s were to begin with the Louis Vuitton Round Robin 1. Live racing commentary by Tucker Thompson and Andy Green was on the schedule to be broadcast to spectators at the Park, Village Green and the marina area via VHF—and streaming live from the America’s Cup YouTube channel. There’s even an app for that. The LV Cup will continue through Aug. 30 with the America’s Cup racing Sept. 7-21
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