American Magic boat Patriot (B2) (AC75 Class) Sailing all day in a cold North breeze with blue sky.
©Paul Todd/AMERICA’S CUP
It certainly seems that these World Series, the preliminary races of the next America’s Cup, are a rather indigestible topic. After the events related to
Cagliari
, with the Sardinian capital first chosen as a stage venue, then discarded due to conflicts between the region and the event organizers, the Jeddah stage, scheduled from Nov. 30 to Dec. 30, also ignites controversy.
Jeddah World Series – American Magic says no
Taking a stand was the union of American Magic, which decided not to participate in the preliminary races in Saudi Arabia. The reason? According to the New York Yacht Club team, the risk of terrorism would be real. International tensions certainly do not make the timing favorable, and Saudi Arabia has none too peaceful relations with some neighboring states such as Yemen. Is this enough to explain the Americans’ stance, or is it the Jeddah stage in general that is indigestible to the other teams?
American Magic has asked the Arbitration Panel for an exemption for the Jeddah races to be run with AC 40s, as these would be mandatory by Protocol. The feeling is that whatever the Arbitraion decides, American Magic will not race in Jeddah, receiving a likely sanction. What will the other teams do instead?
Luna Rossa, young people step up
No other stances are reported, and at the moment everyone is working toward the September debut in Vilanova, the first leg of the World Series scheduled for Sept. 14-17. On the Jeddah case, however, the risk of a domino effect is there.
Luna Rossa in Cagliari is continuing outings with its AC 40, while under the watchful eye of coach Francesco Marrai the team’s youngsters, who will take part in the Youth America’s Cup, participated in La Grand Motte in a leg of the 69F circuit. Guido Gallinaro, Alessandra Dubbini, Federico Colaninno, Margherita Porro, and Andrea Spagnolli are some of the Young people selected by Luna Rossa, all from the world of Olympic classes.
Mauro Giuffrè
