AC Protocol & Rule Expected Soon

The protocol and class rule pertaining to the 35th America’s Cup is on schedule to be released in March. The new rule is expected to "produce a foiling, wingsailed catamaran in the 60-65 foot range," according to the America’s Cup Event Authority (ACEA). 

The design team Morrelli & Melvin is working in conjunction with a number of potential AC teams to develop the upcoming rule.

The protocol, "which defines rules specific to this event," is expected to be released in March as well. "We’re working with the Challenger of Record from Hamilton Island Yacht Club to have a Protocol ready to issue in March," said Russell Coutts, Oracle Team USA’s CEO. "An overriding theme of both documents is an effort to reduce costs and increase media exposure, so that teams can provide a better return to their sponsors for significantly less money than was required last time."

As ‘Lectronic recently reported, the venue for the 35th America’s Cup will not be announced until later this summer in part because the City of San Francisco has not agreed to the same terms and conditions used in the AC 34 agreement with the ACEA. "We need to take the time to assess each potential venue and ensure we get the best possible outcome for the America’s Cup, the teams and the event commercial partners," Coutts said.