DutchSail drops out of America’s Cup; second U.S. team remains

LOG NEWS SERVICE—DutchSail, the late challenger from the Netherlands for the 36th America’s Cup advised the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron on July 1 they were withdrawing from the 36th America’s Cup.

Despite having received such strong backing from the local marine industry and interest from a number of commercial entities they said that they have decided the clock has wound down for them to launch an effective challenge for the cup in 2021.

Dutch Sail said in a release the time factor played a dominant role in the decision of the DutchSail board. Not only the time pressure played, but also the timing of the sponsorship and fundraising fell unhappy in the year. ‘Time is out’ was the announcement by managing director Eelco Blok to Team New Zealand, the defender of the America’s Cup. Not without great thanks for the patience and cooperation that the organizers have brought up in Auckland to allow the ‘late entry’ from the Netherlands the opportunity to participate.

Former America’s Cup champion Simeon Tienpont, the driving force behind the Dutch challenge, remains militant: “We were very close. In recent months, a wonderful foundation has been laid under DutchSail for participation in the America’s Cup. We will follow the 36th edition very closely and then be ready for the next edition.”

DutchSail joins Malta Altus Challenge, another late challenger, in dropping out of the 36th America’s Cup.

The other late challenger, Long Beach Yacht Club’s – Stars + Stripes Team USA – confirmed on June 29 their ongoing commitment.

In a press statement LBYC Commodore Camille Daniels said: “Long Beach Yacht Club is committed to making the start line at the first America’s Cup World Series Event in Cagliari, Italy, our membership is excited and we are all working hard to achieve our goal of bringing the America’s Cup to Long Beach.”

With the withdrawal of DutchSail five teams remain, the defender New Zealand and four challengers – Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, INEOS Team UK, American Magic NYYC and Stars + Stripes Team USA.

The 36th America’s Cup Match will take place in Auckland, New Zealand March 6 to 21, 2021.  The defender – Emirates Team New Zealand – will race against the winner of the Prada Cup, the Challenger Selection Series, in a best of 13 (first to seven points).