Emirates Team New Zealand has named Nathan Outteridge as skipper and confirmed key crew for AC38, including surprise recruit Chris Draper. The move hints at relaxed nationality rules as anticipation builds for the protocol release and venue announcement.
Emirates Team New Zealand has revealed the core group of sailors that will spearhead the team’s attempt to defend the America’s Cup for the third consecutive time.
The announcement was made today in just about the most understated way possible via the briefest of stories on the team website which was mirrored across social media. The accompanying images show the group around a boardroom table 'plotting the strategy to defend the America’s Cup again in 2027'.
France’s dominance of singlehanded offshore racing can be traced back to one event: the proving ground known as La Solitaire du Figaro. Check the list of Vendée Globe winners and you will struggle to find one that did not establish their singlehanded racing credentials with a win in ‘the Figaro’.
With a new title sponsor and a slew of new talent on the sailing team, the French America’s Cup campaigners are looking to shake off their mantle of plucky underdogs, and have set their sights on going the distance in the Challenger selection series at the 38th America’s Cup.
Sailing’s Olympic classes, SailGP, the America’s Cup and the Vendée Globe, all showcase our sport at its highest level. But they rarely interconnect. Is sailing missing a chance to dramatically grow its audience by failing to align its biggest competitions?
Maybe it was the 07:30 start time in Europe. Maybe it was the light winds on Sydney Harbour turning racing into a driftathon. Or maybe it was that I was watching in between bingeing episodes of Drive to Survive. Whatever the reason, I found myself yawning my way through both days of SailGP Sydney.
To race around the world alone non-stop is pretty special and those that succeed enter an elite club. But when it comes to lapping the planet against the prevailing winds and currents, non-stop and alone the list stops way short of double figures.
My guest on the latest edition of the Yacht Racing Life Podcast is Sébastien Sainson – technical director of the French Gitana Team, which recently launched its latest generation Maxi Edmond de Rothschild Ultim trimaran – Gitana 18.
How Sevenstar Yacht Transport turns fierce rivals into temporary neighbours. The toughest part of any major offshore race isn’t always the start. Often, it’s simply getting there.
Doyle Sails has been a key supplier to the SailGP circuit since its inception. With the award of a new five-year contract, the success story continues.
