America's Cup, the challengers against the defender New Zealand: «Little transparency in decisions»

Amid the uproar on social media, a “statement” appears from Athena Racing, the company headed by Sir Ben Ainslie who is in charge of building the challenge on behalf of the Royal Yacht Squadron of Cowes, which takes issue with the Defender Emirates Team New Zealand for “lack of transparency” in decisions regarding the future of the America's Cup. A few minutes later, one also arrives from American Magic, the American team headed by the historic New York Yacht Club of which the financiers are members. First of all, a first consideration: they are the two historic clubs for the life of the America's Cup, the American one also has a supervisory role on the life of the Cup since it was donated through the Deed of Gift by the first winners. Furthermore, for legal disputes related to the Cup and the interpretation of the original document, the American Supreme Court must be involved. It has already happened in past years.

In short, not so suddenly, the level of the dispute between the tough defender and the challengers is rising. It was known that there were embers under the ashes: American Magic and Alinghi with its founder Ernesto Bertarelli, had been in talks with Grant Dalton for some time for a review of the methods of organizing the next edition, with a relaxation of the nationality rules to allow greater circulation of talent, and a sharing of the benefits that come to those who organize. Something similar had happened in Valencia. Alinghi Red Bull in recent weeks had already withdrawn, announcing that it would not present the challenge. The accusation for Dalton is the lack of transparency and of not having allowed the Challengers to participate in the decision-making processes. In the background there is the desire to create a stable circuit, which however would not be in the spirit of the event.

And Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli ? Traditionally it does not take an explicit position, just as it had no role in the choice of Naples. On the other hand, the choice of Naples “finances” the New Zealand team and allows it to set up a strong or stronger defense than it could have set up if “left alone”. Italy was also chosen because at a time when the event must grow, ours is the largest audience, certainly more present than the Spanish one, and this translates into satisfaction for the sponsors. One more unknown is that of the main sponsor Louis Vuitton: it is almost certain that it has set as a condition for its participation a minimum number of challengers, perhaps four, after all a brand that owes its fortune to the selection of challengers, cannot do without challengers.

What can happen now? The table must be reopened to build a Protocol that serves the future of the event, that ensures stability and that does not make the world think of "the usual fights". Some say it will come to a challenge between two: Emirates Team New Zealand defending itself from the assaults of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. But with a pinch of irony we can say that after the war of position, the artillery fire will end with biscuits and wine: many need the America's Cup, because many experts would struggle to find a job in a normal world.