Issue 50 Friday 24 March 2017
Video: First Training Races in AC Class Yachts
Protocol Changes Allow Teams to Train Together
Groupama Team France Now Sailing in Bermuda
Emirates Team New Zealand Still Training in Auckland
Ask Jack: How can I see the Tall Ships?
Bermuda Special Info:
Come Sail on Superyacht "Arabella" in Bermuda
Cruising to Bermuda? Caroline Bay Marina Reservations Open!
First Racing With America's Cup Class Yachts
Oracle and Land Rover BAR Practice Race Pre-Start
Video
A change to the Protocol now allows teams to train together in their AC Class race yachts. On Wednesday Oracle and Land Rover BAR held two informal races. Oracle won both races handily. Read the Royal Gazette's report by Talbot Wilson and Colin Thompson here.
The other teams did not race. Friendly sources in Bermuda report that SoftBank Team Japan stayed ashore. They broke a rudder on Tuesday and their divers spent a long time searching for it on the bottom. Artemis Racing sailed on Wednesday but technical problems kept them from racing. Groupama Team France has only sailed their AC Class boat a few days, so they chose not to race.
High winds kept everyone ashore Thursday. Ideal conditions are forecast for tomorrow, Friday 24 March, so we should have some more racing.
Protocol Changes Allow the Teams to Train Together
Teams are now permitted to train together on 23 of the 69 days that remained before the first races of the round robin America’s Cup Qualifiers.
(i) March 22-26, 2017;
(ii) April 6-7, 2017;
(iii) April 10-12, 2017;
(iv) April 24-28, 2017;
(v) May 15-19, 2017;
(vi) May 22-23, 2017;
(vii) May 25, 2017;
(viii) May 26, 2017 – June 12, 2017.
The earlier ban on sailing together was the result of an oversight. The protocol previously allowed the teams to train together on dates that were to be announced by the Commercial Commissioner at least a year before the first races of the America’s Cup Qualifiers. No dates were announced, effectively creating a ban.
Changes to the protocol can be made by agreement of the defender and the Challenger Commission. The commission makes its decision by majority rule, so at least three challengers must have voted for the change.
You can download the latest version of the Protocol here.
Groupama Team France Sailing in Bermuda
Groupama Team France became the last team to christen their America's Cup Class race boat.
Countryman Philippe Presti, coach of Oracle Team USA shot some video of Team France sailing, and welcomed them to Bermuda in a Facebook post.
Emirates Team New Zealand Still Training in Auckland
Training on Waitemata Harbour, 22 March 2017 Photo: Richard Gladwell
Emirates Team New Zealand have been seen training with two grinder/pedallers in each hull, eliminating the need to switch sides during manoeuvres. They will try different configurations to develop their playbook for each crew's role during tacks and gybes.
Thanks to Richard Gladwell for the photo, taken Wednesday. Read Richard's report on Kiwi reactions to the latest protocol changes here.
With an airline as title sponsor, the Kiwis will not lose too much time transporting their AC Class race yacht to Bermuda. They should be able to disassemble and pack it quickly and then take delivery in Bermuda in only few days. Re-assembly will take a few more days. Interestingly, installing and tensioning the trampoline is one of the most time-intensive steps in re-assembly.
Reader Questions to "Ask Jack"
Ask me anything about the America's Cup! I don't claim to know all the answers, but I usually can find someone with the information.
Just reply to this email, or use the "Ask Jack" page on my website.
"Ask Jack" - When and how can we see the Tall Ships in Bermuda?
Gary in Connecticutt
Hi Gary, The Tall Ships will spend a few days in the East End, at St George's before parading along the North Shore to the Great Sound on Thursday 1 June. The best way to see them will be on board the superyacht Arabella.
Come Sail on Superyacht "Arabella" in Bermuda
Sunset cruises, exclusive dinners, sail out to watch the J Class race... Caroline Bay offers you the opportunity with your friends or business associates to join us on board this very special, three-masted, 157 foot long sailing superyacht. For more information click the photo or this link.
Cruising to Bermuda?
Caroline Bay Marina Reservations Are Open!
Bermuda's brand new marina is now taking reservations. With attractive rates and full services including provisioning, high capacity shore power, fuel, pump out service and friendly, professional staff, the Caroline Bay Marina is probably your best choice while you're Bermuda. Let us tell you about our special offers for marina guests on board Arabella. Click the map or here to request a quotation and to get more information.
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