In a breathtaking final, the British won after a stroke of luck – the Swedes committed a foul against the Germans, who embedded themselves in the buoy, which allowed BAR Academy to catch up just a stone’s throw from the line. They were ahead of NZL Sailing Team and Team Tilt Sailing on the final podium. In any case, the six legs of this Youth America’s Cup raced demonstrated the potential of these young sailors and the intensity of the fleet races on these really exciting catamarans!
Meanwhile, as Team New Zealand won, the rumors have started to flourish on the Bermuda pontoons. Luna Rossa, the Italian team headed by Patrizio Bertelli, boss of Prada, returns to the cup by becoming the Challenger of Record. And it seems that it will press for a return to monohulls. Ernesto Bertarelli from Alinghi could also be interested in a return to the Cup. True or false? Hard to say. What is certain – but nothing is ever really certain in the America’s Cup – is that the 36th edition will be raced in Auckland, and that the Kiwis are holding all the cards concerning the choice of the race format and the type of boat. However it seems that they have decided first of all to consult with all the interested teams… But the protocol signed between Oracle Team USA and all the teams (except the New Zealanders) present in Bermuda, that the next Cup would take place in two years’ time on the same boats, is now null and void! There’s going to be some sport, both for the sailors and the lawyers…
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