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The New York Yacht Club is withdrawing from the 37th America’s Cup due to uncertainty over when and where it will take place.
The decision, announced on Tuesday, came less than three months after the yacht club abandoned the American Magic sailing team, which represented it at the 36th America’s Cup, and called on the team. Stars + Stripes with the goal of fielding an all-American team.
Commodore Christopher J. Culver said the club has a responsibility to act in the best interests of its members.
“In view of the continuing uncertainty regarding the 37th America’s Cup, we have decided to suspend our challenge for this edition,†he said.
Cup holder The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron has delayed announcing a venue for the 37th America’s Cup, which could be held in Ireland, Spain or Saudi Arabia rather than returning to Auckland.
“Time is never on the side of new teams in this great competition, but at some point we have to recognize when there just isn’t enough left to build a competitive challenge,†Culver said.
The New York Yacht Club has already hosted the America’s Cup for 132 years, the longest winning streak in the sport.
Stars + Stripes is directed by Mike Buckley and Taylor Canfield. They launched a campaign for the last America’s Cup but failed to raise enough money and did not reach the starting line.
“We are disappointed that NYYC has reversed its decision to compete in the next America’s Cup cycle,” Buckley said. “However, nothing has changed for Stars + Stripes USA. We remain even more determined to participate in AC37 to change the sport of sailing in the United States. We will continue to build a diverse team that reflects our country and represents modern American values.
Buckley said he was optimistic Stars + Stripes will sign with a yacht club and compete in the upcoming America’s Cup.
American Magic executive director Terry Hutchinson said his team was in negotiations with yacht clubs but declined to be specific.
American Magic suffered a catastrophic capsize in the challenger series round robins at the 36th America’s Cup earlier this year and was eliminated without winning a race.
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