In its statement the British reaffirmed their commitment to 'finding a resolution and mutual consent on behalf of all Challengers for the 38th America’s Cup' The team also promised to 'respond imminently with a protocol and partnership framework to the Defender which we hope will allow for a successful event for all stakeholders in 2027 and beyond'.
The full Athena Racing statement reads as follows:
The ongoing lack of transparency surrounding the recent announcement of the Host City for the America’s Cup in 2027 and the impact this is having on negotiating a fair sporting protocol are yet to be addressed by the Defender, Team New Zealand, who without consultation with Athena Racing, the Challenger of Record, yesterday announced in Naples: “In two years from now the Louis Vuitton Cup will have been sailed in the Gulf of Naples.".
Athena Racing has been negotiating in good faith for the past seven months and still has serious concerns regarding several key clauses proposed within the protocol, which is far from being ‘final’ as the Defender suggests.
Furthermore, we acknowledge the concerns raised by Alinghi, a former trustee of the America’s Cup, regarding the administration and governance of the event by the Defender, Team New Zealand. We hope the Defender will respond to these concerns and provide supporting information in a clear and transparent manner.
Athena Racing is committed to finding a resolution and mutual consent on behalf of all Challengers for the 38th America’s Cup. We will respond imminently with a protocol and partnership framework to the Defender which we hope will allow for a successful event for all stakeholders in 2027 and beyond.
Shortly afterwards the American sent out their statement in which the team reiterated its support for the British in their endeavours to find a fair protocol and framework – before which they said they copuld not commit to participating in AC38.
The American statement read as follows:
American Magic would like to put on record its support for the issues raised today by former America's Cup winner Alinghi regarding the governance and administration of Team New Zealand for the 38th edition of the America's Cup and the Challenger Selection Series, both scheduled to be held in the spectacular Gulf of Naples in 2027 and formally announced in Naples yesterday.
Ever since the completion of the 37th America's Cup last year, we have been concerned about the Defender's unwillingness to commit to the transparency and cooperation necessary to secure a fair Protocol for the 38th running of our sport's greatest event.
In particular, we are concerned that Team New Zealand is not faithfully fulfilling its fiduciary duties as Trustee of the Cup. Notably, its decision to unilaterally agree a host venue deal with the Italian government and city of Naples, effectively selling the Challenger Selection Series without the consent of the Challenger of Record, Athena Racing. Its consistent failure to provide information relating to its responsibilities and duties as Trustee raise serious doubts over Team New Zealand's willingness to operate with the necessary openness and integrity.
We continue to support the Challenger of Record in their efforts to secure a fair and balanced Protocol, a transparent governance model, and an effective America’s Cup Partnership that benefits all stakeholders. Until such a framework is agreed, American Magic will not commit to participation in the 38th America’s Cup Challenger Selection Series.
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