Posted by 
by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News
If moving the America’s Cup from the Defender’s home of New Zealand to Spain didn’t sit well with ardent fans of the team and event, the decision to host a Preliminary Regatta in Saudi Arabia has found a different level of dissent.
The purpose of pre-events was to heighten the marketability of the America’s Cup, and provide sponsors more exposure, but they are a costly endeavor that is in conflict with the Defender’s environmental messaging. There is nothing about transporting people and boats 2500 miles that saves the planet.
And when the event is hosted by one of the world’s worst abusers of human rights, a heinous war is occurring 500 miles to the north, and teams must participate despite threats of terrorism, it all seems a billion miles away from the America’ Cup principle as a “friendly competition between foreign countries.”
But he who holds the gold makes the rules. As the Kiwis got a bucket of money from the Kingdom to guarantee all teams would attend, and with penalties for non-participation which could affect the ability to win the America’s Cup, all five Challengers have paid their entry fee and shipped their AC40 boats.
As for safety, Team NZ chief executive Grant Dalton is proceeding as planned. “What’s happening in Israel and Gaza is terrible, there’s no doubt about it, but we have daily security briefings from a reputable world security company. At the moment, everything is all go.”
Contractually, he may not have any options, and the Swiss Alinghi team is already training at the venue. Since the U.S. federal government had advised against travel, the US Challenger has been silent on their plans. With the event dates of November 30-December 2, there is still time to see if they get on the plane to Jeddah.
This will be the only time the teams will be competing outside of Spain, and Dalton is eager to make a splash. “This is the first international sailing regatta on the Red Sea. Not only that, but it’s the pinnacle of the sport, the America’s Cup. We’re trailblazing in a region that’s the future of the sport, and I take immense pride in being a part of that…
Follow Us!