Russell Coutts in Cowes

BMW Oracle Racing CEO in town to talk to Extreme 40 teams

Russell Coutts, CEO of BMW Oracle Racing, came to Cowes, birthplace of the America’s Cup, to update potential teams about plans
for the 34th America’s Cup, scheduled for 2013 or 2014.

He met skippers, sponsors and team owners competing in the Extreme Sailing Series for 40-foot catamarans.

“Since winning the 33rd America’s Cup in February we have had ongoing dialogue with interested parties,” commented Coutts.

Independent rule writers are currently simultaneously creating a new class of monohull and multihull boats. Though different in type, the two concepts share common characteristics: high speed and capability across the wind range; 22 meters overall length; logistical simplicity; and designed from the outset to incorporate innovative camera, audio and data systems to generate the best-ever television of America’s Cup racing.

Coutts’ briefing to the multihull meeting was warmly welcomed. “The multihull sailors, designers and team owners have a voice in this debate. So do the commercial partners and the venue candidates. And so does television. That’s why we are talking and listening,” he added.

Asked if the monohull or multihull choice would affect the number of teams in the next Cup, Coutts said, “I think there are solid potential teams who are intent on excelling no matter what type of boat is raced. The question is which choice will result in the best America’s Cup? That is why we are holding these workshops with both monohull and multihull stakeholders.”

Key dates:
Protocol rule: published by August 31
Design rules: published by September 30
Venue & Year: confirmed by December 31
Challenges accepted: October 1 – January 31, 2011