Artemis Racing states it is moving forward with its challenge for the America’s Cup. The team’s continuous presence had been in doubt, after a tragic capsize that led to the death of a crew member last month.
Artemis Racing aboard the AC72 yacht, Alameda, USA, April 2013 © Sander van der Borch / Artemis Racing
The Swedish challenger has confirmed it is now preparing its second AC72, which will undergo a rigorous testing regime. When the sailing team is satisfied that the boat is ready to race, it will join the Louis Vuitton Cup, America’s Cup Challenger Series.
“Artemis Racing’s decision to continue will inspire race fans,” said Stephen Barclay, the CEO of the America’s Cup Event Authority. “I’m sure we’ll see massive support and goodwill for the Swedish team.”
Paul Cayard, the CEO of Artemis Racing, said: “We are working around-the-clock to get our new boat ready, in the water and to prepare our team to race. We still have a mountain to climb, but our plan is to launch our new boat in early July and get ourselves in a position where we can race by the end of the month.”
“Learning that Artemis Racing is focused on getting to the start line is truly great news,” Barclay said. “I don’t think we can expect them to be ready for the first races but I’m certain the America’s Cup community will support them in every way possible.”
Following confirmation from Artemis Racing that it intends to continue, Regatta Director Iain Murray has updated the schedule to reflect one of his Safety Recommendations developed after the capsize, in reducing the number of preliminary rounds to five from seven. This safety recommendation followed team feedback indicating more maintenance time between races was desirable.
The Summer of Racing kicks off with an opening ceremony on July 4, followed by a fleet race with the Defender and challengers on July 5. The first race day of the Louis Vuitton Cup, America’s Cup Challenger Series, remains July 7.
